Kolkata, Two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday roped in Mumbai all-rounder Abhishek Nayar to be part of its support staff for the ongoing season.

On a day when U-19 pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti was ruled out for the season with a foot injury and replaced by Karnataka fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, KKR added to their off-field support by bringing in Nayar with head coach Jacques Kallis, assistant coach Simon Katich, bowling coach Heath Streak, Andrew Leipus – the physiotherapist, Adrian Le Roux – the physical trainer and AR Srikanth – Data and Video analyst.

Nayar is close to KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik and helped him during his lean patch some time back.

“I want to play as long as (possible for India). It was hard a lot of times. I had a lot of doubt whether I will ever play for the country again,” Karthik had told the media after his tri-series winning unbeaten 8-ball 29 cameo that helped India beat Bangladesh in Sri Lanka.

“That is where I have been lucky to meet Abhishek (Nayar). He is kind of guiding me through the process. I was not sure, where do I need to go and he (Nayar) kind of showed me the light at the end of the tunnel, things have been touch wood, good and I have been lucky”, Karthik had further stated.

Nayar’s exact role is yet to be identified, said KKR insiders.