Six-time IPL champion Ambati Rayudu has suggested major batting changes for Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. Speaking during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo Timeout, Rayudu backed a more aggressive batting approach for KKR and urged the management to open with the New Zealand duo Tim Seifert and Finn Allen.
The pair enjoyed an impressive partnership during the T20 World Cup 2026, consistently giving New Zealand explosive starts at the top of the order. However, Seifert has struggled to replicate that form in IPL 2026, managing just 19 runs in three innings before being dropped from the playing XI in the previous match. Despite those numbers, Rayudu believes KKR should continue backing the experienced wicketkeeper-batter.
“I expect them to keep the same combination, but they should ideally be playing Seifert at the top with Finn Allen. Ajinkya Rahane at three, and Rinku and Cameron Green to play the middle overs and the finishing role,” Ambati Rayudu said.
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The former CSK batter added that KKR possess a strong batting lineup on paper but have not fully utilised their best combinations this season. According to him, placing Ajinkya Rahane at No. 3 while allowing Rinku Singh and Cameron Green to control the middle and death overs could give the defending champions greater balance.
Meanwhile, KKR have also received a huge boost from the return to form of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. After enduring a difficult T20 World Cup campaign and going wicketless in his opening three IPL matches this season, Varun has bounced back strongly with 10 wickets in his last four appearances.
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Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Katey Martin believes Varun’s partnership with Sunil Narine through the middle overs has played a major role in his resurgence. Martin explained that Narine’s defensive control creates pressure from one end, allowing Varun to attack batters more freely and rediscover his rhythm during KKR’s recent winning streak.
