Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pace bowler Kartik Tyagi has said that the team’s focus will be on striking early in the powerplay to put pressure on Gujarat Titans’ (GT) top order before their Indian Premier League IPL) 2026 match at Eden Gardens on Saturday evening.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Tyagi said, “The powerplay has been a bit challenging for us this year, but we’re always looking to take wickets early so that it becomes easier for the spinners coming in to bowl in the middle overs. Sending Shubman and Sai Sudarshan back to the pavilion in the power play will be a huge advantage for us.”

“I practised a lot at home, and after getting selected for KKR, I started preparing for the conditions I’d have to bowl in. Before every match, we assess the pitch and the conditions and adapt our bowling choices accordingly. If a pitch allows it, I look to bowl a lot of slower deliveries as well. I plan for the 24 deliveries I’m going to bowl based on all the information gathered during our preparation. I bowl fast naturally; I don’t put a lot of thought behind it,” he further added.

He also commented on the team’s bowling combinations and the role of management decisions regarding player selection as well.

“He’s an exceptional bowler, and I don’t need to say anything further about how he bowls. It’s all about finding the right combinations according to the wicket we’ll be bowling on, and those decisions are taken by the management,” he again shared.

Meanwhile, the three-time champions have had a poor run in the ongoing IPL season, finding it difficult to do well. As per the latest standings, KKR remain in the playoff race but are currently placed eighth on the points table as well. KKR have played 11 matches so far, winning four, losing six with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.198.