Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 got off to a great start, with over 800 runs scored in two matches and scores of 200+ being chased with ease. It’s been exciting for fans to watch. In match number 2, Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 6 wickets while chasing the total target of 221.
After the game, many fans and cricket experts criticized the KKR bowlers as they said that KKR’s bowling is weak in IPL 2026. However, dismissing all the talk, KKR scouting head Manvinder Bisla has backed the night bowlers after their poor performance last night. Bisla joined this season as part of the scouting team of the 2024 IPL champions.
But it is a big mistake to call the bowlers weak – Manvinder Bisla
Speaking on his Instagram channel, Manvinder Bisla said, “Those who call KKR bowlers the weak link, listen carefully. Even Mumbai Indians’ world-class bowlers have given away 220 runs. So the Wankhede Stadium pitch was clearly for the batsmen. The batsmen thoroughly enjoyed it – it was a fun game. But calling the bowlers weak is a big mistake.”
Manvinder Bisla says that those who call KKR bowlers the weak link should think that MI’s world class bowling also gave 220 runs. So the pitch was not for bowlers, it was a batting friendly pitch. They will definitely improve in the coming matches.
Video courtesy – Manvinder Bisla on Insta pic.twitter.com/3L0nVTueVS
– Venky Mama (@venkymama100) 30 March 2026
“And I haven’t been able to understand the narrative since the beginning of the season – that KKR don’t have bowlers. Yes, there have been injuries, but the bowlers who are playing have the skill set and ability. That’s why they have reached an IPL-like level,” Manvinder Bisla said.
KKR bowlers will make a comeback – Manvinder Bisla
Manvinder Bisla further said, “I don’t know why people think that only international bowlers make the bowling attack strong. Very little trust is shown in uncapped players. All three of Kartik Tyagi, Anukul Roy and Vaibhav Arora have done well in domestic cricket. They have potential.”
“One bad day doesn’t define them. It can happen to anyone. The important thing is how they bounce back. And as they say bowling works best in partnerships. When one bowler builds the pressure, the other supports by making things stronger. It’s the little things that make a bowling unit stronger. I have no doubt that the KKR bowlers will bounce back. They will be 100% ami KKR.”
KKR is struggling with injury problems
KKR bowlers have struggled, as they have conceded runs, as no bowler was expected to take wickets; They were defensive, and Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton put on 148 for the first wicket and then the game went away from the Knights. Sunil Narine was the best bowler with 30/1 in three overs. Kartik Tyagi and Vaibhav Arora took one wicket each but they were expensive.
KKR have been battling injury problems since the start of the season, as Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to separate injury issues. Mathisha Pathirana, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, is yet to join the Knights squad, with Sri Lankan Cricket yet to give an NOC to the fast bowler.
The Knights will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next match at home ground Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The three-time winners will look to return to winning ways in the next game. KKR has an aggressive batting line-up and can destroy even the best attacks.
Also Read: Sanju Samson dismissed by Nandre Berger for 6, CSK fails miserably in debut in IPL 2026
