Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced challenges during their match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. KKR scored 181 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs at Eden Gardens but lost momentum after a series of quick dismissals. This included the significant wicket of Rinku Singh, who has faced batting struggles throughout the season.
Rinku Singh’s Batting Struggles in IPL 2026
In this match, Rinku Singh came to bat when KKR was at 105 for 3 in the 12th over. Unfortunately, he scored only 4 runs off 7 balls before being dismissed by Avesh Khan. His slow strike rate of 57.14 highlights his current difficulties at the crease.
Performance Breakdown
Rinku’s earlier performances this season have also raised concerns:
- Against Mumbai Indians: He scored 33 runs from 21 balls, hitting four fours with a strike rate of 157.14. KKR ultimately finished with 220 runs but lost the match.
- Against Sunrisers Hyderabad: He managed 35 runs off 25 balls while chasing a target of 227, posting a strike rate of 140, but could not prevent KKR’s collapse.
Waning Form Since IPL 2023
Rinku Singh’s struggles are particularly noteworthy given his impressive performance in IPL 2023, where he amassed 474 runs with an outstanding average of 59.25. However, his form has significantly declined since then:
- IPL 2024: He scored 168 runs across 11 innings with an average of 18.66.
- Previous Season: He tallied 206 runs at an average of 29.42 from 11 innings.
Opportunity at Number 5
This season, Rinku is batting at number 5, a position that allows him to face more deliveries and build his innings. Despite this opportunity, he has struggled to find confidence and consistency. His lack of impactful play may be detrimental to KKR’s performance moving forward.
As KKR continues its campaign in IPL 2026, the team will hope Rinku can regain his form and contribute effectively in upcoming matches.
