Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) downfall in the ongoing IPL 2026 has left everyone shocked and confused, as things are only getting worse with every match. KKR is struggling badly this season, but it was their lack of trust in Rinku Singh that stunned Manoj Tiwary.
Rinku Singh, who was once trusted by the Kolkata Knight Riders for finishing games under pressure, is now completely out of touch under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane.
Rinku Singh’s struggles continue in IPL 2026
Rinku Singh faced only two balls for one run before losing his wicket to Kagiso Rabada during KKR’s five-wicket loss to the Gujarat Titans. So far this season, Rinku has played five innings but has managed only 79 runs, with the best being 33*.
The confidence that the Indian batter showed in the past IPL seasons is not there. However, it was not Rinku’s form, but the team management’s decision to send him to bat at number seven against GT in Ahmedabad that surprised many.
Even Anukul Roy was promoted ahead of him, which gave a clear signal that the team is not fully backing Rinku right now. This move has only increased the pressure on him and backfired for the team, as they could post only 180 on the board despite Cameron Green’s stunning 79.
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Manoj Tiwary slams KKR for mishandling Rinku Singh
After the match, Manoj Tiwary blasted Ajinkya Rahane and the KKR team management for not trusting Rinku and breaking the batter’s confidence. The former Indian batter bluntly said that Kolkata’s campaign will not return to the track if they continue to make such blunders in the ongoing IPL 2026.
Tiwary was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “You changed the entire batting order. You sent Anukul Roy higher up. You just sent Rinku Singh an indirect signal that you don’t have any faith in him. Whoever is thinking in their right mind would send Rinku higher up, as he has been your asset for such a long time.”
The cricket pundit further added, “Just look at Rinku when he came back after getting out. He was completely heartbroken. He knew, deep inside, that it shouldn’t have happened to him. When you had to build his confidence, you did the exact opposite by sending Rinku down the order. If KKR continues playing like this, they will remain at the bottom.”
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Something not right in KKR camp: Manoj Tiwary
Meanwhile, the three-time IPL champions are yet to win a single match in the ongoing IPL 2026 and are sitting at the bottom of the points table with just one point from six games. This is their worst start in IPL history, and things are not looking good at all.
The former Indian batter felt that something was not right inside the KKR camp as the results were not coming, and the team combination did not look settled despite having a strong squad.
Tiwary signed off by saying, “KKR fans have seen three titles. But this year, your main bowlers got injured, but it wasn’t like that; all the strength was taken away. The team was still strong. But something is not right, be it the atmosphere or the combination. It was a disappointing performance.”
Now, all eyes are on the Kolkata Knight Riders’ next IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 19.
