Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin made a bold prediction on the future of Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, which begins on March 28. Referring to the tagline of the franchise, which is ‘Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re (Will Do, Fight, Win)’, Ashwin mentioned that the team will definitely fight in IPL 2026, but will they be able to win? The veteran has his doubts.
After several injuries and early setbacks in the form of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, the franchise’s initial plans for the tournament have been dealt a blow. Ashwin predicted that KKR’s lack of depth in the bowling department could prevent them from winning their fourth IPL title in 2026.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s big prediction on KKR’s future in IPL 2026
In his YouTube video, the former cricketer pointed out that two of KKR’s three titles came under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir and one came under Shreyas Iyer. Since both of them are no longer part of the team, their chances of qualifying for the playoffs have diminished significantly.
Last season, as soon as the team needed eight points in the points table, the franchise made a major reshuffle. Along with making changes in the team, the management has appointed Abhishek Nair as the new head coach in place of Chandrakant Pandit.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “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 chance to qualify which went to the other team. Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy history is strong. “KKR’s loss was PBKS’s gain.”
Circumstances severely impact team’s original plans ahead of IPL 2026 season
The Purple Brigade went into the mini auction with a big purse. He bought Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman and Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana by paying huge fees.
As per the instructions of BCCI, they had to drop Rahman from the team. Later news came that Harshit Rana, one of the important parts of the team, has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury. Pathirana is also uncertain about the tournament, as he is yet to receive the No Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Ashwin’s concern for bowling attack
To fill a slot, the Knight Riders included Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani. Ashwin believes that, without Rana and Rahman and the erratic Pathirana, the team’s bowling attack lacked strength, which opposition teams would benefit from and ultimately stall 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 is injured, Harshit Rana has been ruled out.”
Ashwin also said, “KKR have been blessed to have Muzarabani, I am happy for him because he has worked hard and I am excited to see him, but because of all the injuries, someone has to do the heavy lifting. I can’t see anyone who can do that.”
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