- KKR’s stunning rise sees them win 6 of their last 7 matches to revive IPL 2026 playoff hopes
- Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy lead Kolkata’s spin resurgence
- Abhinav Mukund says in-form KKR are now one of IPL’s most dangerous teams
Just weeks ago, Kolkata Knight Riders looked headed for an early IPL 2026 exit after losing five of six matches. Now, following a stunning late-season turnaround, the three-time champions are firmly back in the playoff race and suddenly look like one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
Their latest statement came at Eden Gardens where they defeated Mumbai Indians by four wickets on Wednesday night. The victory marked KKR’s sixth win in seven matches and underlined the transformation of a side that once looked short on confidence and direction.
KKR finally find the right balance
Former India batter Abhinav Mukund believes the turnaround has been built on clarity and smart tactical adjustments.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut, Mukund said:
“I think they’ve got their tactics right. They have got their combinations right. They have played to their strengths. The batting still may not be firing on all cylinders but they have basically been very good in the aspects that we thought KKR would be good in which is spin.”
He also pointed to improvements in the pace department and the growing influence of Cameron Green with the ball.
“Their pace bowlers have come together a little bit. They’ve got Cam Green bowling and picking up wickets. So a lot of good things are going for Kolkata Knight Riders and a form team is always dangerous. Teams would rather face Punjab Kings now than KKR and that is something we would not have said at the start of the IPL.”
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Spin stars driving Kolkata’s revival
As the tournament has progressed and surfaces have started offering more assistance to spin, KKR’s traditional strengths have come alive.
Sunil Narine has once again become the heartbeat of the attack with 14 wickets and the best economy-rate in the tournament at 6.40. Alongside him, Varun Chakravarthy has rediscovered rhythm after a difficult opening phase and now has 10 wickets to his name.
Anukul Roy has also delivered valuable contributions in key moments while fast bowler Kartik Tyagi has climbed to No. 5 on the Purple Cap standings.
KKR’s stunning rise has changed the playoff picture
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes Kolkata��s revival has coincided with finally settling on the right balance.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut, Jaffer said:
“Whenever they had good seasons recently, Varun and Narine have done well. And now they’ve got Anukul as well even though he did not bowl much today. That has been the story.”
He added:
“Coming into the tournament, Varun was not in the best of form. Even Narine was not at his best like how he is performing now. Finding the right combination probably hurt them in the initial games. They were figuring out who would open, who would play where and where Cam Green fits in. Their bowling also struggled.”
Jaffer also highlighted the disruption caused by unavailable players earlier in the season.
“A lot of players missed out. Mustafizur Rahman and Harshit Rana were unavailable while Matheesha Pathirana joined late. But I think they found the right combination at exactly the right time.”
Also read: Top 3 batters with the most 500+ seasons in the IPL
One final hurdle remains for KKR
Now, with only one league fixture remaining against Delhi Capitals on Sunday at Eden Gardens, the equation is simple for Kolkata. Win, hope for favourable results elsewhere and the Knight Riders could complete one of the most remarkable recoveries of the season.
For a side that seemed buried not long ago, the playoffs are no longer a distant dream. They are within touching distance.
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