Ashwin spots major KKR tactical flaw despite massive win over DC: 'You can’t finish with him'

Ashwin pointed to the need for clearer role definition in the middle order and suggested that KKR should make better use of Cameron Green higher up the order.

Updated on: May 9, 2026, 16:07:26 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Kolkata Knight Riders continued their strong turnaround with another dominant performance, defeating Delhi Capitals to move ahead of them in the standings and stay in the hunt for a playoff spot. After struggling for momentum earlier in the season, KKR have managed to build rhythm at the right time, putting together a winning run that has revived their campaign. The side now sits seventh on the table and suddenly looks like a genuine contender again heading into the business end of the tournament. The win over DC was a big statement as they chased down the 143-run target inside 15 overs to boost their NRR.

KKR are still alive in the playoffs race. (PTI)

Meanwhile, veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin wasn't very impressed with KKR's tactics against DC, with Cameron Green coming out to bat at number 4. Ashwin pointed to the need for clearer role definition in the middle order and suggested that KKR should make better use of Green higher up the order, while also finding players capable of shifting gears depending on the match situation.

“KKR have to find a way to keep the tempo on top [on the batting front]. Cameron Green should bat in the top 3; he’s not a No. 5 or 6 batter. You can’t finish with him. They have to find batters who can bat at different tempos like Rinku Singh. Yes, KKR can win their remaining four games," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

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Reacting to Finn Allen’s stunning unbeaten century against Delhi Capitals, Ashwin praised the batter’s explosive ability and backed Kolkata Knight Riders as serious contenders if everything continues to click for them. Ashwin also highlighted the growing impact of the spin partnership between Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, saying the duo could play a decisive role in KKR’s push for the trophy.

“Finn Allen has the ability. In such games, he will break the net run rate (NRR). The biggest speciality about KKR is Sunil-Chakaravarthy’s partnership. If they come together, they will win the tournament. The problem was that Varun was being taken for runs; in the last two games, he has come out [of it]. He’s put in a performance because of which Sunil Narine’s bowling has started to shine,” he added.

Kolkata Knight Riders undone by injury setbacks

The former spinner further pointed to injuries and availability issues as key setbacks early on, while also suggesting that the team did not make the best use of Rinku Singh in the batting order during the initial phase of the tournament.

“Their plan [at the auction] was Sunil-Chakarvarathy, Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana, and Mustafizur Rahman. They would have been in a very, very strong position. It was unlucky for them that Pathirana got ruled out and Rahman was out. Back half of the tournament, they are getting things right. Another thing was that Rinku Singh was playing too much down in the batting order," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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