Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) ongoing struggles in IPL 2026 have intensified, with former India cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth launching a sharp critique of the franchise’s batting unit and questioning the role of finisher Rinku Singh amid a poor run of form.
Rinku’s returns this season—33, 35, 4, and 6—have highlighted his inability to finish games consistently for KKR, as the team continues to search for stability in its lower middle order. Once celebrated for his explosive finishing ability, his recent performances have triggered debate over his batting position and overall role in the side.
Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, was particularly critical of Rinku’s effectiveness in high-pressure situations. He questioned whether the batter is suited for the No. 5 role that KKR have assigned him, suggesting instead that he should be used lower down the order.
“Rinku Singh is not an explosive player. He hit five sixes in five balls ages ago, and we keep talking about that,” Srikkanth said. “He is adept at rotating the strike, but when the required rate goes above 10 or 12, he struggles.”
The former opener further argued that Rinku is better suited for a No. 7 role, where he would be tasked with finishing shorter chases rather than constructing innings under pressure.
“He can perform when 50 runs are needed off 5 overs. But batting at No. 5 to build an innings—it won’t work,” he added.
Srikkanth also extended his criticism to the broader KKR batting unit, claiming that only young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has shown consistent intent this season. According to him, most of the lineup has failed to display the aggressive approach required in modern T20 cricket.
He specifically pointed out opener Finn Allen, whose struggles have compounded KKR’s top-order issues. Despite his attacking style, Allen has repeatedly fallen playing aggressive shots early in the innings, leading to criticism over his shot selection and consistency.
“This is when Finn Allen should make an impact, but he is struggling more than anyone. He has been dismissed playing the same shot in the last five matches,” Srikkanth said, even suggesting that a replacement could be considered.
With KKR failing to find balance across departments—batting, finishing, and consistency—the pressure is mounting on both players and management to rethink roles and combinations. Rinku Singh’s form, once seen as a major asset, has now become another concern in an already troubled campaign.
