New Delhi: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan Concerns have been expressed. Ranko Singhis beyond the shape of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, stating that his decline in performance could be a major problem for Kolkata Knight Riders.KKR begin their campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians on March 29 in Mumbai. Rinko enters the season under scrutiny after a disappointing T20 World Cup, where he managed just 24 runs in five innings.
The left-hander’s struggles come after a remarkable run in IPL 2023, highlighted by his unforgettable five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal during his 200-plus run chase against Gujarat Titans – an innings that catapulted him to stardom.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan reflected on Rinko’s decline in returns since that spectacular season and his failure to make the most of opportunities at the World Cup.“We will have to see how much he gets to play. He had a great 2023 season. He scored 400-450 runs with a strike rate of 150. But after that his performance dropped off, and many times he didn’t get enough opportunities. He has to maintain his quality and maximize the opportunities he gets. Even in the World Cup, he didn’t get another chance at Capital, but he couldn’t take advantage of five matches. Kolkata needs to be corrected, and Rinku Singh is one of them,” he said.Rinko enjoyed a brilliant 2023 campaign, scoring 474 runs in 14 innings at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52, including four half-centuries. However, since then, his numbers have declined, with 374 runs in 22 innings at an average of 23.37, and a highest score of 38*.Pathan also pointed out that handling Varun Chakraborty’s form will be another challenge for KKR. The enigmatic spinner had a strong start to the T20 World Cup, picking up nine wickets in four group stage matches at an economy rate of just over five, but later saw a sharp decline, picking up just five wickets in five matches from the Super Eight stage to the final, with his economy rate increasing significantly.Despite the dip, Pathan backed Varun to bounce back and deliver in familiar conditions.“The challenge is how to bring Varun back with confidence given his current low form. He will play 14 matches, some of which will be at the Kolkata ground, and he has certainly done well in this league before. The good memories he has in Kolkata, maybe in a slightly different environment, he can do even better. I am sure he will take up the challenge, Chakru will take up the challenge. This,” Pathan said.Last season, Varun finished as the seventh highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps at an average of 22.52 and an economy rate of 7.66, with best figures of 3/22. Overall, he has taken 99 wickets in 83 matches for KKR, including two four-wicket hauls, with best figures of 5/20.
