Two years can change everything in the IPL, and Kolkata Knight Riders are living proof. In May 2024, KKR were celebrating their third title at Chepauk, riding high on momentum, confidence and a clear sense of direction. Fast forward to IPL 2026, and the same franchise is suddenly staring at the bottom of the points table, trying to understand how quickly the slide has turned so steep.
That dramatic fall has now triggered strong reactions, including from former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. Responding to a social media comparison between Gautam Gambhir’s influence at KKR and MS Dhoni’s role at Chennai Super Kings, Modi made it clear that he believes KKR need Gambhir back at the centre of their cricketing structure. He even suggested that the franchise should do everything possible to bring him in as the team’s chief strategist.
“That @GautamGambhir — without an iota of doubt in my mind — was the best person for @KKRiders,” Modi wrote. “The team management needs to do whatever, and I say it again, whatever it takes to lure him back.”
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He continued by urging KKR to think long term and build the brand around Gambhir. “Incentivise him, like Shane Warne had equity options,” Modi said. “Lock him in for a long, long term — give him stock options. I hope they are smart enough to do that. He does not fall within the player auction purse — get him to be the face of the team. There needs to be a player face of the team. Gautam should be KKR’s main strategist globally. No one better.”
That I agree. That @GautamGambhir WITHOUT AN IOTA of Doubt In my mind he was the BEST PERSON for @KKRiders – the team management needs to do WHATEVER and I say it again WHATEVER IT TAKES To LURE him back. Incentivise him. Like Shane Warne had equity options. Lock him in for a… https://t.co/DAdfCCvmqN
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) April 10, 2026
KKR’s decline since that 2024 title has been sharp and damaging. Gambhir’s return as mentor last season played a major role in their title-winning run under Shreyas Iyer, but his exit after taking over as India’s senior men’s team coach left a noticeable void in the dressing room and in the broader strategic setup. Since then, KKR have struggled to find the same clarity and edge.
The 2025 season was already a warning sign, with KKR finishing eighth and missing the playoffs. The move to hand Abhishek Nayar the head coach role for IPL 2026, replacing Chandrakant Pandit, was expected to bring fresh energy, but it has not yet delivered the desired turnaround. While Nayar has earned credit for developing players like Rinku Singh, the bigger tactical picture has remained unsettled.
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Leadership has also become a major concern. Ajinkya Rahane, who was handed the captaincy after Shreyas Iyer was not retained, has come under intense pressure. His decision to bat first in overcast, rain-threatened conditions at Eden Gardens drew criticism from several former cricketers, including Anil Kumble and Ravichandran Ashwin. KKR were 25 for 2 before rain washed out the match, which did little to ease the scrutiny around the skipper.
Injuries have only made matters worse. Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have been ruled out for the season, while Cameron Green’s poor form has weakened the middle order and increased the burden on Rinku Singh. With zero wins from their first four games in 2026, KKR now need a reset, and quickly.
The franchise has four days to regroup before facing Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, April 14.
