Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bagged a lucky point on April 6 after their home game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) was washed out due to rain. But, concerns around their expensive overseas recruit Cameron Green have continued. Green, who was playing as a pure batter due to back issues, was dismissed cheaply again as KKR got off to a poor start before rain gods interrupted. While Green struggles, Kiwi duo Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra have been benched. But, Ravindra doesn’t seem to be bogged down by the lack of chances in three consecutive games. The batting all-rounder understands that there’s plenty of talent in the team and intends to stay away from negative thoughts.
“I wouldn’t ever really call it frustrating. First of all, it’s great to be part of a new franchise and it’s such a great crew to be with. I’m enjoying my time here,” Ravindra told Sportstar.
“For me, it’s understanding that the team is out there and I’m supporting them and I’m doing my best job to, one, help them prepare and, two, help us win games. And whether that’s part of the starting 12 or whether that’s on the bench or whatever it looks like. And that to me is important.
“As soon as you start to feel frustrated and stuff like that, you naturally think a little bit more negative about things. So for me, it’s just about getting better.
“Obviously, you always want to play games, but I’ve played a lot of cricket of late and even if I’m not playing, it’s about contributing to the team. I realise there are a lot of talented cricketers in this team. And if you’re missing out to, say, Finn Allen and Cameron Green, or Sunil Narine, or the likes of them, you have to understand that those are class players and they obviously make up the structure of the team. So, it doesn’t bother me too much.”
On April 6, Rovman Powell was included in the side in the absence of Sunil Narine but did not get to bat as rain interrupted play.
Out-of-form with bat, potent with ball
Ravindra has not been in form of late. His only half-century in T20 World Cup 2026 came against Canada. From seven innings, he managed to score 129 runs at an average of 25.80 and strike rate of 134.37. However, he was New Zealand's highest wicket-taker in the tournament. The left-arm spinner claimed 12 wickets at an average of 12.41 and his economy rate was under eight runs per over. He bagged a four-fer against Sri Lanka and three wickets against England.