Kolkata, April 19 (NationPress) Abhishek Nayar, head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, emphasized the necessity of fostering belief and a supportive dressing-room atmosphere as the team confronts a challenging period in IPL 2026. During a media interaction prior to KKR’s match against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens, Nayar shared insights on how the coaching staff is assisting players in dealing with difficulties, including injuries and fluctuating performances.

“Experiencing setbacks such as injuries early on and not achieving the desired start can be disheartening. This tournament can be quite demanding. With the wealth of experience from players like (Shane) Watson, DJ (Bravo), Dre Russ (Andre Russell), and (Tim) Southee, we recognize that cricket can be tough. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an environment where belief persists, creating a space for players to express their passion for the franchise. The pressure can either overwhelm or inspire, and we aim to provide the best possible platform for our players,” he explained.

Nayar also discussed the strategic deployment of veteran spinner Sunil Narine, particularly during the powerplay, a phase where KKR has been striving to improve.

“The powerplay has been an area of concern for us due to the runs we have conceded. We aim to leverage Narine's form to secure wickets rather than adopting a purely defensive strategy. Each time Sunil is on the field, our objective is to ensure he has a significant impact on the game. While opponents have altered their approach to facing him this season, we consistently view Sunil as a wicket-taking asset rather than a defensive option,” he noted.

As teams increasingly emphasize powerplay effectiveness, Nayar recognized its significance while asserting that overall success hinges on excelling in every segment of the match.

“Winning requires proficiency across all facets of the game, but if there is a prevailing focus on powerplay performance, it is essential to acknowledge that our struggles in this area have hindered us thus far in the tournament. When we excel in the powerplay, we enhance our chances significantly. Currently, we aim to dominate all three phases of the game, with the powerplay being a crucial focus. Today’s approach was an improvement, but as a team, we must ensure excellence across all segments, as a strong powerplay is undeniably beneficial,” Nayar elaborated.

As KKR strives to revitalize their campaign with a victory against RR, Nayar is dedicated to nurturing confidence and preparing the players to thrive under pressure.