Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo: KKR’s Struggles in IPL 2026
The iconic slogan of Kolkata Knight Riders, which means “we will do, we will fight, we will win,” captures the spirit of this franchise. Built on the values of resilience and determination, it reflects their identity. However, this season has been a stark contrast to those words.
As IPL 2026 rolls on, KKR finds itself struggling, with one win, five losses, and one match washed out, leaving them with just one point on the board. Once champions three times over, their fall has been dramatic and surprising.
Many fans and analysts are pointing fingers at team management and captain Ajinkya Rahane regarding their decisions, both in the auction and during matches. But the reality is that KKR’s main issue has been more straightforward: they have not been able to execute the basics of the game properly.
Their recent match against the Gujarat Titans served as a harsh reminder of how far the former champions have fallen. A key moment came during the last six overs of the match when Cameron Green fought valiantly but was left stranded as KKR’s performance crumbled.
Green’s Efforts Shine Through
Entering the game against GT, Green carried a lot of pressure on his shoulders. With just 56 runs in five games and only one wicket to his name, he needed to step up, especially given his hefty price tag of Rs 25.2 crore. And he did just that with the bat.
In the power play, KKR struggled again, scoring only 37 runs while losing three wickets. Green, however, steadied the ship along with Rovman Powell, adopting a scoring pace that, while not typical for T20, was what KKR desperately needed.
After Powell’s departure, Green shifted gears, hitting Rashid Khan hard and scoring 33 runs off just 18 balls. KKR made significant gains in the middle overs for a change, scoring over 100 runs between overs seven to fifteen. At one point, they seemed set for a score over 200, being at 139 for 4 after 14 overs. Instead, they ended up with just 180 runs, getting bowled out.
A Sudden Collapse
To understand the downfall in those last six overs, we can draw parallels to a similar collapse from 2022 when KKR lost a crucial match against Rajasthan Royals. Back then, they were chasing 218 runs, looking comfortable at 178 for 4 when chaos struck, causing them to lose four wickets in just one over.
In Ahmedabad, history repeated itself. It began with Anukul Roy getting out while trying to play a big shot, followed by Rinku Singh—who had hoped to perform well—falling to Rabada. Ramandeep Singh and Sunil Narine both fell to similar fates, trying for big hits and losing their wickets instead.
Throughout this turmoil, Green remained at the other end, just watching as chaos unfolded around him. He ended up facing very few balls during a critical period when KKR needed him most.
In the dying moments of the innings, when Green should have been the one leading the charge, he was left stranded. His final score of 79 came from 55 balls—a performance that could have had a bigger impact with strategic rotation during the innings.
Lessons to Learn
KKR’s failure to utilize their in-form batsmen cost them dearly. As Anil Kumble pointed out after the match, the team missed the essential rule of ensuring that the set batsman, like Green, gets the strike when needed.
With the season spiraling and hopes of making a comeback dwindling, the six-over collapse in Ahmedabad will likely be a painful memory for the three-time champions. Another loss added to their growing tally, and the season now feels like it is slipping away faster than they can hold on.
As IPL 2026 progresses, KKR will need to regroup and rediscover the fighting spirit reflected in their beloved slogan if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
