Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin made a bold prediction on the Kolkata Knight Riders’ future in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, which will begin on March 28. Mentioning the tagline of the franchise, which is ‘Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo re (Will do, will fight, will win)’, Ashwin mentioned that the team will definitely fight in the IPL 2026, but will they be able to win? The veteran has doubts.
After multiple injuries and early setbacks in the form of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, the franchise’s early plans for the tournament have been dented. Ashwin predicted that KKR’s lack of depth in the bowling department could restrict them from claiming their fourth IPL title in 2026.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s massive prediction on KKR’s future in IPL 2026
In his YouTube video, the ex-cricketer explained that KKR’s two out of three titles came under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership and one came with Shreyas Iyer. As both of them are no longer part of the team, chances to qualify for the playoffs decreased significantly.
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The franchise made massive shuffles as soon as the team needed eight points in the points table in the previous season. Along with making changes in the squad, the management appointed Abhishek Nayar as their new head coach to replace Chandrakant Pandit.
“Korbo is there, Lorbo is there, but I don’t think Jeetbo is there. KKR won the title three times, twice under Gautam Gambhir and once under Shreyas Iyer. Now that I think about it, with Shreyas Iyer, you had a qualifying opportunity that went to another team. Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy history is compelling. KKR’s loss ended up being PBKS’ gain,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Circumstances hit the team’s original plans hard ahead of the IPL 2026 session
The Purple brigade went to the mini auction with a large purse. They bought Australia all-rounder Cameron Green, Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, and Sri Lanka seamer Matheesha Pathirana for hefty fees.
They had to release Rahman from the squad as per BCCI instructions. Later, it was reported that Harshit Rana, one of the integral parts of the team, was ruled out of the IPL 2026 because of injury reasons. Pathirana is also uncertain for the tournament, as he is yet to receive a No-Object Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Ashwin’s concerns for the bowling attack
To fill up a spot, the Knight Riders roped in Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani. Ashwin believes that, without Rana and Rahman, and an uncertain Pathirana, the team lacked power in their bowling attack, which will benefit the opposing teams and will eventually halt the Kolkata-based team’s trophy-winning plans.
“After the auction, I had said that KKR’s bowling attack is solid. But now, Mustafizur Rahman is not there. Pathirana’s injury is there, Harshit Rana has been ruled out.”
“KKR has the Blessing of Blessing Muzarabani, I am happy for him because he has worked hard and I am excited to see them, but with all the injuries plaguing them, somebody has to do the heavy lifting. I can’t see anyone who can do that,” Ashwin also added.
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