Former India player Harbhajan Singh has criticized the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their Powerplay batting performance in their IPL 2026 clash against the Gujarat Titans (GT). He noted that although Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s playing styles are similar to Shubman Gill’s, the duo’s knocks were in sharp contrast to the GT skipper’s innings.

KKR were bowled out for 180 after opting to bat first in Match 25 of IPL 2026 in Ahmedabad on Friday, April 17. GT then achieved the target with five wickets and two balls to spare to climb to the fourth position on the points table.

During a discussion on JioHotstar, Harbhajan responded affirmatively when asked whether KKR lost half the battle with their Powerplay batting in their IPL 2026 clash against GT.

“Absolutely, because the Powerplay shows in which direction you are going in the game. 37 for three, they were left far behind in the game. Cameron Green was lucky, his stumping was missed and a catch was dropped due to which he played a 79-run knock, or else these 180 runs would have been 140,” the former India spinner said.

“The batting was totally demolished in the first six overs. Ajinkya Rahane played a bad shot because Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ajinkya Rahane are Shubman Gill-type players. However, see Shubman Gill’s knock and the knocks played by both of them. You will see a huge difference. Three wickets were lost at the top, and the innings kept stumbling after that,” he added.

While Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed for a golden duck, Angkrish Raghuvansh managed a four-ball eight as KKR were reduced to 21/2 after two overs. On the flip side, Shubman Gill scored a 50-ball 86 during the Gujarat Titans’ chase.

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“They are a better team than this” – Harbhajan Singh on KKR after IPL 2026 loss vs GT

In the same discussion, Harbhajan Singh praised the Kolkata Knight Riders for putting up a fight despite an indifferent start. However, he noted that Ajinkya Rahane and company’s performances don’t reflect their true potential.

“They showed a little fight. The batting could have been better. However, despite losing three wickets in the first four overs, they made it a match with the runs they scored. They are a better team than this. They are not playing at their best,” he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that there is potentially a negative atmosphere in the KKR dressing room.

“The players don’t lack anything. Probably there is such an atmosphere within the team that they are unable to come out of that. Neither are they scoring free-flowing runs nor are we seeing free-flowing bowling. It’s very difficult to lift yourself up when you are down, but that’s where your character is seen. You still shouldn’t accept defeat,” Harbhajan observed.

Harbhajan Singh opined that the Kolkata Knight Riders can still show the other teams how good a side they are. He added that captain Ajinkya Rahane, head coach Abhishek Nayar, and the team management need to instill that belief in the team.