Six-time IPL champion Ambati Rayudu has suggested some changes that can help Kolkata Knight Riders field a stronger batting lineup in the match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday, May 8.
Rayudu urges Knights management to open the batting with compatriot Tim Seifert finn allenWith Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh and Cameron Green. Seifert and Allen batted brilliantly at the top of the order for New Zealand during the T20 World Cup 2026. However, Seifert failed to replicate that form in the IPL, as he scored just 19 runs in three innings before being dropped in the last game.
“I hope they keep the same combination, but they should [ideally] Seifert will play up top with Finn Allen. Ajinkya Rahane will be at number three and Rinku and Cameron Green will play the role of middle overs and finishing. So, this is a great batting order which they are not using. I think he should take that route,” Rayudu said during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo Timeout.
“That was a real turnaround” – Katie Martin on Varun Chakravarthy's return to form for KKR
Varun Chakravarthy was not in good form during the T20 World Cup held before IPL 2026. He also failed to take a wicket in the first three matches he played for the Knights this season. However, after a brief spell of injury, the mystery spinner has returned to form by claiming 10 wickets in the last four matches.
Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Katie Martin said that bowling with Sunil Narine has helped Chakravarthy regain his dominance.
“He was always going to be a key factor with the ball. When he has got his pace control right, I think he is excellent. It started with his partnership with Narine while bowling in the middle. It has always been about how you use Narine in KKR's bowling line-up. Whether you use him in the powerplay because he is a great defensive bowler, teams rely on him. I think when Chakravarthy gets the chance to partner with Narine, The middle, that was a real change,” Martin said.
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