IPL 2026is nearing the halfway mark, andKolkata Knight Riders(KKR) find themselves at the bottom of the table with five defeats and a solitary win. KKR will have to make a quick turnaround if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side played against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 19, and will play the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 26. The seven-day break couldn't have come at a better time for KKR, who can utilise this opportunity to analyse their flaws, regroup, and come back stronger.
Speaking on the team's below-par run in IPL 2026, former KKR wicketkeeper-batter Sheldon Jackson put weight behind the team and said that people shouldn't rush to form perceptions, adding that there's still plenty of time left for KKR to turn things around.
"At times I feel it’s very easy and we are very quick to judge players and everyone involved. I feel our judgments should not come so fast. This is the same team that has brought glory. Right now, maybe they are not winning or not making the right decisions—whether in the playing XI or batting order," Sheldon told Sports Now.
"One thing I always feel is that players’ form goes up and down. Every year they can’t score 700–800 runs, and bowlers can’t take 20–30 wickets consistently. When that doesn’t happen collectively, you don’t get those two points. And when it does, nobody can stop you.
"KKR has done comebacks before. They’ve lost many matches and still reached finals or won titles," he added.
"Nobody can compare what Gautam Gambhir has done. He’s the best KKR has had. But now Abhishek Nayar has been given responsibility—you have to give him time," he said.
"I’ve worked with him. He’s a very hard worker. From morning to evening, he’s focused on improving players. If you’ve trusted someone, you must give them time."
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Faham Uddin is a seasoned sports journalist currently working as a Special Correspondent on the sports desk. With over eight years of diverse experien...View More
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