Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has suggested sweeping changes to the Kolkata Knight Riders‘ batting order after their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, stressing that the current combination is underutilising key players.
While acknowledging that immediate changes may seem disruptive, Uthappa hinted that the think tank should already be preparing alternatives. “It would seem very disruptive to make changes at this point in time. But I would be calculating what kinds of changes I would want to make if things don’t go KKR’s way over the next few games,” he said.
One of his key suggestions was promoting Sunil Narine up the order. “One of the potential solutions is bringing Sunil Narine up the order, given the way he is batting right now. I don’t want to waste his abilities down the order,” Uthappa emphasised.
He also laid out a detailed restructuring plan to bring balance and depth to the lineup. Uthappa recommended a left-right opening combination, followed by Angkrish Raghuvanshi at No.3, Ajinkya Rahane at No.4, and Manish Pandey at No.5. He further slotted Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Anukul Roy in the lower-middle order for the finishers’ role.
“It would be good to have a left-right opening partnership… This gives you depth, but I feel like they have to figure out a way to create depth in their batting lineup. Clearly, because Rinku is not used to batting when there are too many overs left to play,” he explained, highlighting role clarity issues.
“Angkrish Raghuvanshi only silver lining for KKR”
Assessing KKR’s overall performance, Uthappa said the team is struggling on multiple fronts. “KKR find themselves between a rock and a hard place at this point in time. In the first game, the bowling was found out, and in the second game, the batting. Obviously, the two run-outs didn’t help KKR’s cause in the run chase.”
Despite the setbacks, he identified a positive in young Raghuvanshi. “The only silver lining so far for KKR has been Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s batting. He has performed at No.4 and 3 in the two matches. He is a kid with a tremendous amount of potential if he opens or bats at No.3,” Uthappa added.
With IPL 2026 still in its early stages, Uthappa’s remarks underline the urgency for KKR to reassess their strategy and unlock the full potential of their batting unit before the tournament slips away.
