Ahmedabad, April 17 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi of the Kolkata Knight Riders is optimistic that the team will witness a turnaround in their performance as the IPL 2026 season unfolds. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, fundamentals, and execution to secure their first victory against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

In a pre-match interview, Raghuvanshi stated, “Every discussion revolves around our improvement and what we can enhance. Everyone has put in tremendous effort, and I believe we will start to witness positive changes soon.”

Discussing his batting strategy, which has yielded 182 runs in five matches, he remarked, “I keep it straightforward; I focus on the ball and strive to play it as well as I can, regardless of my batting position.”

Raghuvanshi, taking on wicketkeeping duties for the first time in the IPL, acknowledged the challenges but expressed his enjoyment of the role. “It's quite demanding, yet I’m enjoying it. The wicketkeeping aspect is my favorite, especially since it's my first time. But I anticipate that the best moments are ahead, particularly when we secure a win.”

As the match approaches, Raghuvanshi stressed the significance of adhering to their strategies. “It's all about executing the basics effectively. We have prepared extensively for this, and now it's about putting those plans into action. You’ll see the results tonight.”

Pacer Kartik Tyagi highlighted the necessity of regrouping after a sluggish start. “It’s definitely on our minds that we need to start winning, especially after a few unfortunate beginnings. Currently, we are focused on the next nine matches and how we prepare for each.”

“Taking it one match at a time is crucial. We adapt our preparation based on the venue, considering our strategies for different situations and the specific deliveries needed at critical moments,” he added.

Tyagi also discussed overcoming injuries and refining his bowling technique, giving credit to his physiotherapists for their support. “Injuries were a recurring issue for me. I faced shin splints and other problems, which led me to reflect on how I could enhance my run-up to prevent such issues.”

“After addressing that, I sought ways to further improve my bowling. I learned a great deal during that period, and my physiotherapists played a significant role in my recovery. They helped identify my mistakes and guided me through adjustments.”

“By incorporating those changes into my routine, I've seen positive outcomes. I focus on the 24 balls I have and what I need to accomplish on that pitch. Even when I err, I concentrate on learning and improving for the next time,” he elaborated.

On support from captain Ajinkya Rahane, Tyagi remarked, “He instills a lot of confidence in me. I feel a level of freedom while playing that I haven’t experienced before. If I have an instinct during bowling, he fully supports me, encouraging me to follow my instincts. That's something I genuinely appreciate.”