Former India spinner R Ashwin believes Kolkata Knight Riders no longer carry the same aura in their bowling attack as they once did. Over the years, KKR have built a formidable reputation with match-winners like Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav, often troubling the opposition batsmen.
However, Ashwin feels that this lead has shrunk now, with the ‘mystery’ and ‘novelty’ surrounding their attack no longer as strong. According to him, rival teams may not approach KKR’s current bowling unit with the same caution or anxiety as they once did during the franchise’s scariest phases.
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“I don’t think the opposition would be worried after watching KKR’s bowling attack. I think the mystery factory, the novelty factor and the fear, that particular side, would be gone. Earlier, batsmen would go to the analyst room, watch the bowlers or just look to take a single,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
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Ashwin said Varun Chakravarthy has reached a stage where he needs to evolve as the batters have started decoding his variations. He also noted that Sunil Narine can no longer rely on certain quicker deliveries for his action, making the KKR attack less intimidating and easier for the opposition to target at Eden Gardens.
“Varun is at a stage in his career where he has to find answers. But that’s natural to any cricketer’s progression and career. I think the novelty factor is out,” Ashwin said.
“Sunil Narine also can’t bowl the faster ball anymore because of his action. Eden Gardens is a small ground, so now it’s easy for the opposition to say, ‘Hey, you know what, here’s a team that doesn’t scare me, so let’s go after them’,” Ashwin added.
NOBODY HEAVY LIFTING
Ashwin said he initially rated KKR’s bowling attack highly after the auction, but now seems exhausted. With Mustafizur Rahman unavailable, Matheesha Pathirana recovering from injury and Harshit Rana all but ruled out, he feels Blessing Muzarabani has support, but nobody in the attack looks capable of the heavy lifting at the moment.
“I said after the auction that KKR’s bowling attack was solid. But Mustafizur Rahman is not there now. (Matheesha) Pathirana is injured, Harshit Rana has been ruled out,” Ashwin said.
“KKR have the blessings of Blessing Muzarabani. He has worked hard and I am excited to see them, but with all the injuries plaguing them, someone has to do the heavy lifting. I don’t see anyone who can do it,” Ashwin added.
Knight Riders will begin their campaign on Sunday, March 29 against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
21 March 2026 21:05 IST
