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IPL 2026: Centrewicket Practice, New Trigger Movement Helped Rinku Regain Form, Reveals Nayar

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar has credited extensive centrewicket practice sessions and a technical tweak in Rinku Singhs trigger movement for the lefthanders resurgence in IPL 2026 after a lean start to the season. Rinku has struck 207 runs in his last four outings without being dismissed, batting at a strike rate of 172. On Wednesday, he made an unbeaten 29ball 49 to lift KKR to 192/4 in Raipur, though it went in vain as RCB won by six wickets, thanks to Virat Kohlis unbeaten 105. One of the things we tried when we were not doing so well was a lot of centrewicket practice to bring the confidence back. Same with Varun (Chakravarthy), same with Rinku, because they were two really important players for us and didnt start the tournament well. So obviously, there are different processes for both of them, but for Rinku, it was getting him in the centre. If you would have noticed, his initial movement changed; hes now walking across compared to before. So we kind of figured that out, maybe that can help him, and hes never done that, so we added that to his batting. It helped him. So a lot of work was going on when we were trying to get these guys back, because its not easy, said Nayar in the post-game press conference. Beyond technique, Nayar stressed the importance of restoring belief in Rinku. Just having access to grounds and making sure we spent some time in the heat kind of helped. Getting his mind back into the belief systems that he can clear the boundary, he can hit those fours and sixes, and what he can do technically and tactically to actually do that. So a lot of groundwork was done. I think, to be honest with you, through and through from the inception of the tournament, the one thing that we decided collectively was to be very consistent. Consistent in how we approach our processes as a team. Making sure the environment, which I feel in the IPL is one of the hardest things to maintain with all the outside noise and pressure. Making sure we create that environment for the guys where they feel like they can be themselves. Because sometimes this tournament can take that away from you, he said. He acknowledged the emotional toll poor form can take on a player in the IPL. I know from the outside you dont understand what a player goes through, but its really hard for an individual to not have a good game and come back, and the amount of messages they get, even from close friends or family, its not easy for them. Making sure the environment, which I feel in the IPL is one of the hardest things to maintain with all the outside noise and pressure. Making sure we create that environment for the guys where they feel like they can be themselves. Because sometimes this tournament can take that away from you, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Because when you enter an IPL, everyone wants to win. Theres no one whos not going to give their best. Theres no one who doesnt want to perform. But sometimes you need to accept that things arent going in your favour. We talk about luck, the rub of the green - sometimes that doesnt go your way and you need to accept that, he concluded. Article Source: IANS