Ramandeep Singh is approaching the upcoming Indian Premier League season with renewed motivation after Kolkata Knight Riders strengthened their coaching setup by bringing in two legendary all-rounders. The addition of Shane Watson as Assistant Coach and Andre Russell as Power Coach has given the KKR all-rounder fresh inspiration ahead of the 2026 campaign. Ramandeep has steadily grown into an important player for the franchise since joining the Knight Riders in 2024.
During KKR’s successful title-winning run that season, he played a valuable role with both bat and ball. The aggressive right-hander scored 172 runs at an impressive strike rate of 167.9 while also contributing with the ball by picking up six wickets. His ability to deliver quick runs in the middle and death overs made him a dependable option in high-pressure situations. The 28-year-old has also carried that momentum into domestic cricket.
In the 2025 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ramandeep delivered one of his most impactful performances. He hammered 209 runs at a staggering strike rate of 195 while also claiming nine wickets in ten matches. Those numbers underline his growing reputation as a genuine all-rounder and set the stage for what could be his most productive IPL season yet in the Purple and Gold jersey.
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Speaking about his preparations, Ramandeep revealed that his focus has shifted towards becoming more situation-aware while batting. Instead of just relying on power-hitting, he is working on reading the game better.
“My approach this year is very situation-oriented. I am trying to understand different match scenarios every time I go out to bat. I’m also focusing on how the pitch behaves and choosing my shots accordingly,” he explained.
Ramandeep also believes his bowling can play a bigger role for KKR this season. The Punjab cricketer is confident that he can contribute consistently as an all-round option if given enough opportunities. “If I get the chance, I want to make an impact with the ball as well. I truly believe I can grow into a proper all-rounder,” he said.
For Ramandeep, the chance to learn from Watson and Russell is particularly exciting. Both players built global reputations as match-winners, and he hopes their guidance will help him improve his finishing skills.
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“Having legends like them around is a huge blessing. I want to absorb as much knowledge as possible and hopefully deliver in those big match-defining moments,” he added.
