KKR lost 2 matches in a row in IPL 2026© AFP
Former Indian cricket team spinner R Ashwin made a grim prediction after Kolkata Knight Riders’ heavy loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 on Thursday. KKR were completely outplayed as they conceded 226 and in reply, the top order failed to impress as the hosts were bundled out for 161 as SRH won the game by 65 runs. It was a disappointing show by the KKR bowlers as Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen took them to the cleaners. Ashwin did not mince his words while analysing the match and said that KKR lacks reliability in their bowling attack.
“KKR are going to have a lot of problems this season. Forget about their batting, bowling, and all of that. The way they played this game and the last game, I think that they don’t have one bowler whom they can bank on for four overs. Many times you have one or two weak links whom you look to support, but you don’t have even one bowler who can guarantee you four overs,” Ashwin said on YouTube.
A major problem for KKR in IPL 2026 has been the dismal form of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and even against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he conceded 31 runs in just two overs. Ashwin said that he has been facing a mental as well as technical challenge and advised the spinner to be more adaptive and resilient.
“What happens with a bowler, when they get hit a lot, this is a time for Varun that he has never seen before. This is a massive blow for him. When I look at him, I feel his confidence is very low. If you are under so much pressure, there are methods to improve your practice. I feel he needs to take some time,” observed Ashwin.
“He has to increase his hand speed and try all this in the nets. You cannot just go to the nets and do spot bowling on your own. This stage comes to everyone, where bowlers will pick you easily and even score runs. The game is pushing you to find a method and move forward. He will have to find answers,” he explained.
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