To win three on the bounce — when you’re last on the IPL 2026 points table, shows a lot of character in the team. KKR have, in a way, bounced back in the tournament, but to secure the playoffs qualification, they need to continue the momentum they have gathered. On Friday, they face Delhi in their home — who have lost last four in five played. So, there is a lot going for Kolkata, and virtually nothing for the 7-placed Delhi.
One of the key factors for KKR would be, as to what team combination they go for. In their last match vs SRH on May 3, what really worked for them was — the presence of three spinners, who helped them restrict Hyderabad for 165. The ploy should be employed again. That said, there can be a few changes in batting for sure.
Tim Seifert/Finn Allen opening ploy not working
For whatever reason, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have gotten chances to open, but the ploy has not worked for the team. Allen has scored 110 runs in 6 matches, at an average of 18, while Seifert has scored 19 from 3, averaging 6. So, now it should be Rachin Ravindra’s turn. He is yet to play a match this year, but scored 191 runs in the previous edition. In addition, he is a decent left-arm spinner too. He adds depth to the team.
Keep Manish Pandey in team
The bowling looks sorted for now, with Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora and the spinners doing their job. But it is batting, or batters, who are just not at their best, as yet. So it is only wise to get in a very experienced batter in the form of Manish Pandey, who has served the team for long. While batting first, Varun Chakravarthy could be the impact sub fielder, and if they bowl first, then Manish could be the sub.
That would make them a formidable unit, something that was missing initially in the tournament. In 175 matches till now, he has scored 3942 runs, and his average has been 29.41.
No changes needed in bowling
Tyagi has been the find of the season with his 11 scalps in 9 matches. Economy has been under 10, and the speeds are generally in excess of 140 kmph. So, Kolkata have unearthed a new talent. On the other hand, Arora has 10 wickets to his name. Sunil Narine continues with his legendary status, has 9 wickets at an economy of 6.80. VC has 10 in 7.
Predicted KKR Playing XI vs DC
Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rachin Ravindra, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Kartik Tyagi. Impact Sub: Manish Pandey
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