🏏TATA IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates🏏 - Page 3

IPL 2026: KKR asked to fix Rinku Singh 'problem!'

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/129716715.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Title Contenders Or Trouble Ahead? KKR Enter IPL 2026 With More Questions Than Answers!!

March 21, 2026, 17:10 IST

Kolkata Knight Riders Preview IPL 2026: Injury setbacks, Russell’s retirement and selection dilemmas have left KKR facing an uphill battle ahead this year's IPL.

Kolkata Knight Riders Preview IPL 2026: Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders made some marquee signings in the IPL 2026 Auction after finishing eighth in the 2025 edition of the cash-rich league. However, season-ending injuries to Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ahead of the start of the tournament, along with uncertainty over Matheesha Pathirana’s availability, have raised serious question marks over KKR’s chances of going all the way and winning the title for the fourth time.

In the absence of Harshit, Akash and Pathirana (who is likely to miss the initial matches), KKR will lack the experience of premium fast bowlers who can take wickets with the new ball and also control the flow of runs in the death overs. Moreover, the retirement of Andre Russell has left a huge void in the team’s middle order.

Ajinkya Rahane Urged To Bat In Top Order: Ex-KKR Star Says 'Batting One Down Would Be Good'

Harshit Rana's Replacement Found? KKR Coach Abhishek Nayar Gives Massive Update

KKR signed Cameron Green for Rs 25.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction as a replacement for Russell, but the Australian is also struggling for form and there is still no clarity over his batting position. Ideally, Green prefers to bat as an opener or at No. 3 in T20 cricket, but those positions already have several contenders in Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.

https://www.news18.com/cricket/ipl-2026-kolkata-knight-riders-preview-ajinkya-rahane-varun-chakarabvarthy-rinku-singh-cameron-green-finn-allen-ws-o-9990004.html?utm_source=copy_share&utm_medium=clipboard&utm_campaign=clipnshare

MI's playing XI for IPL 2026: Rohit to open, will Shardul Thakur make it to the 11?

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/129717549.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been forced into urgent ..

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/129729083.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

IPL 2026 LIVE news updates: Ashwin backs Rinku Singh to bat at number 4 for Kolkata Knight Riders

Rinku, despite a sensational IPL 2024 season with KKR, was pushed down in the batting order in 2025

IPL 2026 news updates

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 just around the corner, strategic conversations have already begun to take centre stage. Ahead of the season opener on Saturday, March 28, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in with a key tactical suggestion for three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), urging the franchise to rethink how they utilise Rinku Singh in their batting order.

Ashwin suggests bigger role for Rinku

Ashwin believes KKR need to move away from viewing Rinku Singh purely as a finisher and instead promote him to a more influential No. 4 role. He explained that the left-hander should be given enough time at the crease to build an innings before accelerating against the bowlers.

He pointed out that while KKR’s line-up appears slightly unsettled, especially with the inclusion of Cameron Green, the team could benefit from slotting Rinku at No. 4. Ashwin added that Green could still be used flexibly depending on early wickets, but after the powerplay, Rinku should be allowed to settle in and then shift gears.

Rinku’s fluctuating role in recent seasons

Rinku has been a long-serving member of KKR and enjoyed a breakthrough IPL 2023 season, scoring 474 runs. He followed it up with a vital contribution in KKR’s title-winning 2024 campaign.

However, his role diminished last season as he was pushed down to No. 7 and No. 8 on several occasions due to a packed middle order. As a result, he managed only 206 runs in 13 innings, often lacking the time needed to make a significant impact.

Kohli urges RCB to stay sharp ahead of title defence

Virat Kohli called on his Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammates to maintain peak intensity from the outset, stressing the importance of not wasting a single moment in training as they prepare to defend their IPL 2026 title.

He further said that success over the past few seasons has raised expectations, making it crucial for the team to stay ahead of rivals. Kohli emphasised full commitment throughout the campaign, while head coach Andy Flower echoed confidence in the strengthened squad and backed RCB to embrace the fresh challenge.

Big IPL 2026 warning for Vaibhav Suryavanshi: ' All bowlers will be ready.'

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/129727589.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst