KKR skipper Rahane praises Allen's maiden IPL ton, credits spinners in win over DC
Synopsis
Rahane's post-match assessment revealed more than just praise—it exposed KKR's formula: spinners suffocating opposition in the powerplay and death, emerging pace talent stepping up, and finally, a batter (Allen) breaking his form slump at the right moment. Four straight wins have propelled KKR from struggling to title contention, but Rahane's cautious 'one game at a time' signals awareness that consistency in T20 is fleeting.
Key Takeaways
Finn Allen scored an unbeaten 47-ball century in his maiden IPL ton, leading KKR to an eight-wicket win over Delhi Capitals .
KKR's spinners— Sunil Narine , Varun Chakaravarthy , and Anukul Roy —restricted DC to 142/8 .
The victory marked KKR's fourth consecutive win, lifting them to seventh in the IPL 2026 points table.
Skipper Rahane credited bowling coaches Tim Southee and Dwayne Bravo for the bowling unit's turnaround.
Chase completed with 34 balls to spare at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on 8 May 2026 .
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane on Friday lauded Finn Allen's unbeaten 47-ball century and singled out his bowling unit for orchestrating a clinical eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The win marked KKR's fourth consecutive triumph in the IPL 2026.
Allen's breakthrough performance
Allen's maiden IPL century proved the difference after KKR's spinners had suffocated DC in the first innings. The visiting franchise was restricted to 142/8, and Allen's aggressive batting—particularly against DC's spin attack—ensured the chase was completed with 34 balls remaining. The New Zealand batter, who had struggled in the opening four to five games, finally broke through with a dominant display.
Rahane credits the bowling unit
Addressing the media post-match, Rahane emphasised the bowlers' consistency. "Our spinners—Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Anukul Roy—have been fantastic, especially in the middle and death overs," Rahane said. He highlighted how the bowling coaches Tim Southee and Dwayne Bravo had transformed the unit after a difficult start to the season.
Fielding and team balance
Rahane also underscored the role of sharp fielding in supporting the bowlers' efforts. He credited fielding coach Dishant Yagnik for maintaining discipline and intensity. "Our fielding coach has been strict with us, and that discipline is showing in our catch success and ground fielding," Rahane noted.
Narine's value and consistency
On Sunil Narine's contribution, Rahane remarked that the veteran all-rounder's experience and readiness to bowl whenever required had been invaluable. "As a captain, I'm fortunate to have Sunil and Varun on our side. They don't need much instruction—they learn, share experience, and stay ready," he said. Rahane emphasised the importance of staying present in the moment and executing plans discussed in the dressing room.
Emerging talent and momentum
Rahane also praised emerging pacer Kartik Tyagi and Anukul Roy for their clarity of thought and confidence. Roy, who had an impressive domestic season, has been a standout performer. With KKR now sitting seventh in the points table after four straight wins, Rahane stressed the importance of maintaining focus one game at a time and continuing the momentum built over the first five matches.
Point of View
Emerging fast bowlers (Tyagi, Roy) executing plans without hesitation, and finally, a batter breaking form when it matters. Allen's century is symbolic—not just a personal redemption, but proof that KKR's structural strength (bowling and fielding) can carry batting lapses. Rahane's emphasis on 'staying in the moment' suggests he knows this streak is fragile; T20 momentum is notoriously fickle, and complacency is the real opponent now.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Finn Allen's score and how did he bat?
Finn Allen scored an unbeaten century off 47 balls , his maiden IPL ton. He played aggressively, particularly targeting Delhi Capitals' spin bowlers, and guided KKR to victory with 34 balls remaining in the chase.
How many consecutive wins does KKR have now?
KKR secured their fourth consecutive victory with the win over Delhi Capitals , lifting them to seventh in the IPL 2026 points table.
Which spinners did Rahane credit for the win?
Skipper Rahane singled out Sunil Narine , Varun Chakaravarthy , and Anukul Roy for their performances in the middle and death overs. He noted that DC was restricted to 142/8 largely due to their bowling.
What was Delhi Capitals' score?
Delhi Capitals scored 142/8 in their innings, a total that proved insufficient against KKR's aggressive chase led by Finn Allen .
Who are KKR's bowling coaches?
Tim Southee and Dwayne Bravo are KKR's bowling coaches. Rahane credited them for transforming the bowling unit after a difficult start to the season.
