Rinku Singh's return to form 'brilliant to watch': Watson ahead of SRH clash
Synopsis
Rinku Singh's resurgence has handed KKR a crucial batting anchor. With a match-winning 83 off 53 against LSG fresh in the memory, Watson's emphasis on 'a couple of other guys' stepping up signals KKR's awareness that middle-order stability alone won't cut it in the playoffs race. The Hyderabad pitch, Watson hints, could be the stage for another batting masterclass.
Key Takeaways
Rinku Singh scored a match-winning 83 off 53 balls against Lucknow Super Giants , delivering a crucial victory for KKR .
Shane Watson praised Rinku's form as 'brilliant to watch' and highlighted the need for other batters to contribute.
SRH won the toss and opted to bat first in the Hyderabad encounter on May 3 .
KKR made two squad changes: Finn Allen and Manish Pandey came in for Tim Seifert and Ramandeep Singh .
Watson indicated the pitch at the venue is batting-friendly, suggesting an aggressive approach from KKR.
Hyderabad, May 3 — Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Shane Watson has praised vice-captain Rinku Singh's return to form as a significant turning point for the franchise, following the middle-order batter's match-winning 83 off 53 balls against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their previous outing. The innings proved decisive in guiding KKR to victory and has now set the tone ahead of their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Watson's assessment of the turnaround
Speaking to broadcasters before the match, Watson described Rinku's recent performance as 'brilliant to watch,' while emphasizing the need for additional batting contributions across the lineup. "We've played nicely in the last couple of games. Our bowling has been very good in the last couple of games. Our batting, there's been some very good things. Rinku Singh's coming to form has been brilliant to watch. We just need a couple of other guys to put their hands up today," the former Australia all-rounder said.
Optimism on pitch conditions
Watson also sounded upbeat about the playing surface at the venue, hinting that batters could find favorable conditions. "Looks like a really nice pitch. Always a great place to bat here. Definitely have to turn it on today," he noted. The assessment suggests KKR may look to capitalize on a batting-friendly track against SRH.
The learning culture at KKR
Beyond the immediate match context, Watson highlighted the franchise's emphasis on continuous improvement. "Everyone's here to get the best out of themselves and continue to learn from every situation. That, for me, has been the beauty of being here with KKR. Everyone has continued to look at different areas to get better. For me, it's no surprise we've been able to string some good performances together," he added.
Team changes and toss update
SRH won the toss and elected to bat first. KKR have made two changes to their squad, bringing in Finn Allen and Manish Pandey in place of Tim Seifert and Ramandeep Singh. The alterations suggest a tactical recalibration ahead of the high-stakes encounter in Hyderabad.
Point of View
But Watson's repeated plea for 'a couple of other guys' to step up reveals the real anxiety: middle-order stability cannot mask a fragile top order. In T20, one good innings is momentum; two is a trend. KKR's playoff credentials rest on whether Rinku's form is the spark or the exception.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rinku Singh score in KKR's previous match?
Rinku Singh scored 83 off 53 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, delivering a match-winning innings that guided KKR to victory.
What did Shane Watson say about Rinku Singh's form?
Watson praised Rinku's return to form as 'brilliant to watch' and emphasized its importance as a boost for the team ahead of their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Which two players did KKR bring in for the SRH match?
KKR made two changes, bringing in Finn Allen and Manish Pandey in place of Tim Seifert and Ramandeep Singh.
What did Watson say about the pitch conditions in Hyderabad?
Watson described the pitch as 'really nice' and noted that it is 'always a great place to bat,' suggesting a batting-friendly surface for the encounter.
Who won the toss in the KKR vs SRH match?
Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and elected to bat first.
