After defeat to RCB, former India player flags this KKR player as 'concern' in IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) endured a big loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, failing to defend 193 in their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)on Wednesday, May 13 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first against Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR. Riding on fighting efforts from Angkrish Raghuvanshi (71 off 46 balls) and Rinku Singh (unbeaten 49 off 29), KKR posted 192/4 at the end of 20 overs.

Also Read: PBKS vs MI Head-to-Head Record, Probable XIs, Pitch Report & Weather Forecast

ALSO READ: KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar reveals star player has a fracture, doubtful for remainder of IPL 2026

RCB's solid batting performance vs KKR

In response, RCB chased the target with ease, as former skipper Virat Kohli smashed unbeaten 105 off 60 to seal the win for the Bengaluru-based franchise with the help of 11 fours and three sixes. It was Virat Kohli's ninth century in IPL. The 37-year-old batter received solid support from Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 39 off 27 balls, hitting seven boundaries.

KKR failed to deliver a strong bowling performance, as the bowlers couldn't get key breakthrough in crucial moments. KKR's pacer Vaibhav Arora happened to be the most expensive bowler in the second innings, finishing the game with 0/48 in four overs at an economy rate of 12.00.

Reacting on KKR's bowling performance, former India bowler Mohit Sharma noted that the Ajinkya Rahane-led side endured several injuries, but the side managed to look strong in the last four matches.

"Yes, there have been injury concerns, but the package you had made for the last four games was quite good. That unit looked great, but due to Varun not playing, their fourth and fifth bowlers got exposed. The concern here is Vaibhav Arora," said Mohit at Cricbuzz

Mohit believes that Vaibhav Arora's lack of form is the real concern in KKR's lineup, saying he is not extracting enough swing which is his real strength.

"He has not been able to do well for the team in the last five matches now, compared to earlier. He has not been able to swing the ball, but without that he is not able to do much. So, he has been a concern for the last five games. Varun's absence was clearly visible," Mohit Sharma added.

Vaibhav Arora's average outing in IPL 2026

The right-arm swing bowler has managed to take only 11 wickets in 10 matches for KKR in the ongoing IPL 2026, with an economy rate of 10.26. His best bowling figures of 2/24 in four overs in a game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).