Former IPL champion Ambati Rayudu suggested that the Kolkata Knight Riders revamp their batting order ahead of a match against Delhi Capitals.
The critique comes as the team struggles to maintain its playoff hopes while sitting near the bottom of the league standings. A failure to adjust the lineup could leave the team unable to recover their position in the tournament.
Rayudu offered his assessment on Friday, May 8, 2026, before the team's appearance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi [1]. He targeted the current approach under captain Ajinkya Rahane, arguing that the team has failed to utilize its available talent effectively. "Great batting order that they have not been using," Rayudu said [1].
The team is currently facing a difficult stretch in the competition. KKR has earned nine points and holds eighth place on the IPL table [2]. This position leaves the team with minimal room for error if they intend to advance further in the season.
Rahane has faced significant pressure as both the team captain and a player fighting to sustain his career [2]. In response to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his leadership and performance, Rahane addressed the criticism on May 10. "They are jealous and have a certain agenda against me," Rahane said [3].
The tension between the former champion's tactical advice and the captain's defensive response highlights the instability within the squad. With the team trailing in the standings, the pressure to implement strategic changes has intensified, especially as the match against Delhi Capitals serves as a critical juncture for the franchise.
“"Great batting order that they have not been using"”
The public friction between a former champion and a current captain indicates a crisis of confidence within the Kolkata Knight Riders. When external critics and internal leadership clash over fundamental tactics like the batting order, it often signals a breakdown in team cohesion that can be more damaging than the actual loss of points on the table.
