KKR scripting IPL's greatest comeback, says Bangar after four-win streak
Synopsis
KKR's four-match winning streak has triggered a stunning turnaround from near-table-bottom to playoff contention. Bangar's assessment is clear: if they win all four remaining games, they'll execute one of IPL's most dramatic comebacks. But with Punjab stumbling and the race tightening, every game now becomes a knockout.
Key Takeaways
KKR have won four consecutive matches and are eyeing a top-four finish in IPL 2026 .
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes KKR can script one of the greatest comebacks in IPL history if they win their remaining four games.
KKR are currently at eighth position with nine points from ten matches .
Punjab Kings ' loss to Delhi Capitals has complicated their top-two finish hopes; they need two wins from three remaining games to stay in playoff contention.
KKR face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 13 May in their next fixture.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed Kolkata Knight Riders to pull off one of the most memorable turnarounds in IPL history, following the three-time champions' resurgence in IPL 2026. After languishing near the bottom of the points table in the tournament's opening phase, KKR have won four consecutive matches and are now positioned as genuine contenders for a top-four finish.
Why momentum matters in the business end
"KKR have won four matches in a row. Their team balance is looking solid. The spin attack has regained its bite, and the batting unit is firing consistently. They are peaking at the right time, which is what matters most in a long tournament," Bangar told analysts. He added that teams building momentum towards the latter stages of the league typically make deeper playoff runs, and KKR are currently in optimal form to do so.
The four-win target and playoff probability
Bangar outlined a clear path for KKR's historic comeback. "If they win their remaining four games, they will pull off one of the greatest comebacks in IPL history. From the bottom of the table to the top four, that would be a remarkable turnaround. It will take a special effort, but with the form they are in, it looks possible," he said. The former coach noted that KKR's playoff probability has risen significantly following their recent success.
Punjab Kings' slide and the reshuffled race
Punjab Kings' recent defeat to Delhi Capitals has fundamentally altered the playoff landscape. Bangar observed that Punjab, who had dominated the early rounds, now face a steeper climb to secure a top-two berth. "This loss against Delhi has hurt Punjab's chances of finishing in the top two. They were flying high at the start, but now the momentum has completely shifted. They need to find a way of winning at least two out of their three remaining games to stay in the hunt of qualifying for the knockouts," Bangar said.
KKR's next challenge
KKR, currently positioned at eighth in the points table with nine points from ten matches, will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 13 May. The fixture represents a critical juncture in their quest to maintain momentum and edge closer to the top four.
Point of View
But the narrative of a historic comeback hinges on perfection — four straight wins from this point onward. That's a high bar. Meanwhile, Punjab's stumble has opened the door wider, but the middle-order teams (Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat) are closing in. The IPL's back half has become genuinely unpredictable, which is precisely when form and mental toughness separate contenders from pretenders. Bangar's optimism is warranted, but it remains conditional.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KKR's current standing in IPL 2026?
KKR are positioned at eighth place in the points table with nine points from ten matches. They have won four consecutive games and are now in contention for a top-four playoff finish.
How many games must KKR win to complete their comeback?
According to Sanjay Bangar, if KKR win all four of their remaining matches, they will complete one of the greatest comebacks in IPL history, climbing from near the bottom to a top-four finish.
When is KKR's next match?
KKR face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 13 May 2026.
Why has Punjab Kings' playoff path become difficult?
Punjab Kings' recent loss to Delhi Capitals has damaged their chances of finishing in the top two. They now need to win at least two of their three remaining games to secure a top-four playoff spot.
What did Sanjay Bangar highlight about KKR's form?
Bangar praised KKR's team balance, noting that their spin attack has regained effectiveness and their batting unit is performing consistently. He emphasized that their timing — peaking towards the business end of the tournament — is critical for deep playoff runs.
