Who is Dishant Yagnik? Former Rajasthan Royals player becomes KKR Fielding Coach for IPL 2026

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Kolkata Knight Riders have announced the appointment of Dishant Yagnik as their fielding coach for the IPL 2026 season.

KKR made the signing official on Wednesday (January 21), as Yagnik will join their star-studded coaching staff in this upcoming season.

Who is Dishant Yagnik?

Dishant Yagnik is a former Indian cricketer and current fielding coach for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Born on June 22, 1983, he primarily played as a wicketkeeper-batsman for Rajasthan in domestic cricket from 2002-03 to 2017.

Yagnik debuted in first-class cricket for Rajasthan in 2001-02 and contributed to their Ranji Trophy win in 2005-06. He represented India at the Under-19 level, played in the rebel Indian Cricket League for Delhi Giants (2007-09), and transitioned to IPL with Rajasthan Royals from 2011 to 2015. He played 25 matches in the IPL for the Royals and also served as the head coach for Puducherry.

"Yagnik's transition to KKR ahead of the upcoming IPL marks an exciting new chapter in the former cricketer's coaching journey," a statement from KKR read.

Yagnik will bring extensive experience and a keen focus on fielding standards to KKR. The franchise aims to compete in the IPL with a revamped support staff led by head coach Abhishek Nayar, mentor DJ Bravo, assistant coach Shane Watson, bowling coach Tim Southee, and power coach Andre Russell.