Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has raised sharp questions over Kolkata Knight Riders’ continued backing of Rinku Singh, arguing that the batter has not quite justified the role he has been given at No. 5 in IPL 2026. His comments came after KKR’s 32-run loss to Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Tuesday, a result that left them still searching for their first win of the season.
Srikkanth felt Rinku has been carried more by the memory of his famous five sixes than by consistent performances in recent seasons. He also questioned whether the left-hander is best suited to building an innings in the middle order, especially when the required rate climbs sharply. “Rinku Singh is not an explosive player. He hit five sixes in five balls ages ago, and we keep talking about that. He is good at rotating strike, but when the required run rate goes beyond 10 or 12, he can struggle. He can’t do it.”
According to Srikkanth, Rinku is far more effective as a finisher at No. 7, where he can walk in with a clear job and attack from ball one.
“He is more suited for the No. 7 position as a finisher. He can do well when 50 runs are needed off five overs. Rinku should not be asked to bat at No. 5 and construct an innings. It will not work.”
ALSO READ: Aaron Finch Slams KKR Tactics, Questions Cameron Green’s Batting Role In IPL 2026
That concern played out again in KKR’s chase against CSK. Rinku arrived when the scoreboard read 79 for 3 in the 10th over, with captain Ajinkya Rahane needing support after Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s dismissal. But the left-hander never settled, scoring only 6 off 12 balls before falling to Noor Ahmad. KKR then slipped further to 90 for 6, effectively ending the contest.
Late resistance from Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh reduced the margin of defeat, but the damage had already been done. The innings once again exposed KKR’s lack of fluency in the middle overs. Rinku’s decline has been steep compared to his breakout 2023 season, when he smashed 474 runs in 14 matches and became a household name after his unforgettable five sixes against the Gujarat Titans.
Since then, he has not crossed the 220-run mark in any IPL season, and in IPL 2026 he has managed only 78 runs in five matches so far. Srikkanth also turned his attention to Finn Allen, whose form has fallen away badly after a strong T20 World Cup campaign. The New Zealand opener has made just 81 runs in five games and has repeatedly fallen while trying to force shots on the leg side.
ALSO READ: Dewald Brevis Praises Ayush Mhatre As “Special”, Highlights Positive Shift In CSK Camp
“The key issue with their batting is that none of their batters, except Angkrish Raghuvanshi, have shown intent. This is when Finn Allen should make an impact. Instead, he is struggling more than anyone. He keeps swinging wildly, and that will not work. He has been dismissed playing the same shot again and again. I think it is time for Tim Seifert,” Kris Srikkanth said.
With KKR winless after five matches and stranded at the bottom of the table, pressure is mounting on both Rahane and the team management. Their next tests against the Gujarat Titans and the Rajasthan Royals could decide how quickly this season slips away.
