Abhishek Nayar, the head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, believed that the team’s total of 192 for four against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was competitive, despite the eventual loss. Nayar felt that the pitch in Raipur was good for batting, and the team had a discussion midway through the innings where they decided that a score between 180 and 200 would be a good total.
However, despite their efforts, RCB successfully chased down the target, mainly due to Virat Kohli’s century. Nayar acknowledged that the team missed crucial opportunities to dismiss key batsmen like Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, which ultimately cost them the game.
This loss ended KKR’s four-match winning streak but Nayar emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive and secure environment within the squad for continued improvement. He highlighted the challenges of creating a safe space for players amidst the pressure and noise of the IPL.
The absence of Varun Chakaravarthy, who was sidelined due to a foot injury, was felt by the team. Nayar mentioned that the partnership between Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine in the middle overs was crucial for their success, and his absence was a significant loss.
Despite the setback, Nayar remained optimistic about the team’s prospects and stressed the importance of consistency in their approach. The coach expressed regret over missing a key player like Chakaravarthy but remained hopeful for the team’s future performances.
The article was published on May 14, 2026.
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