It’s that time of the year when  Kalbaisakhi, the sudden nor’westers, turn calm evenings into spectacles of wind and thunder. With thundershowers in the forecast on Monday, Kolkata Knight Riders will keep a wary eye on the skies as it prepares for a must-win Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens.

After two successive defeats, the season already hangs in a delicate balance, and KKR can scarcely afford further turbulence, on the field or above it. Much like the brooding clouds looming over the venue on the eve of the contest, KKR’s immediate future appears uncertain, if not ominous.

Though Cameron Green spent considerable time bowling at the nets earlier this week, concerns linger over a unit that has struggled to make early inroads in the absence of a dependable strike spearhead. The inability to strike in the PowerPlay has repeatedly allowed opponents to seize control.

The Eden Gardens was under covers on the match eve due to rain and the forecasts predict more showers on Monday. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak

Yet, belief within the dressing room remains intact. “(This situation) presents opportunities for the other guys. We are still excited about the bowling group we’ve got,” said KKR bowling coach Tim Southee. “They may be a bit inexperienced, but they’ve got a tremendous amount of skill.”

The larger issue lies in a muddled strategy. Despite boasting three top New Zealand internationals – Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra – KKR has struggled to maximise its resources. With the lower order lacking firepower, Sunil Narine and Anukul Roy have been shuffled across positions, preventing the side from settling into a clear batting structure.

While KKR has faltered, Punjab Kings has looked settled under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. Cooper Connolly has impressed at No. 3 with 108 runs in two matches, Shreyas has anchored the middle overs, while Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have provided solid starts, giving the side a balance KKR is still searching for.

Published on Apr 05, 2026