Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have managed to keep their Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs qualification chances alive with a four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) at Eden Gardens on May 20. However, they are likely to be without the services of their leading run-scorer in the must-win game against Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 24.
In an attempt to take Tilak Varma’s catch, Angkrish Raghuvanshi was involved in a collision with Varun Chakaravarthy. While he left the field due to a finger injury, it was later revealed that he has suffered a concussion. Tejasvi Dahiya was named as his concussion substitute.
As per the International Cricket Council (ICC) concussion protocol there is a mandatory cooling off period of seven days. As per the rule, Raghuvanshi is likely to be on the sidelines when KKR go up against DC later this week.
"He ran a long way to try and take that catch. Unfortunately, the collision that he had with Varun meant that he ended up having some neck pain, a bit of dizziness and a bit of a headache within a couple of overs of that as well. So unfortunately, he wasn't able to finish off the game. And I know how desperate he was as well," KRR assistant coach Shane Watson said in the post match press conference.
Who will keep wickets for KKR?
If Raghuvanshi misses the DC game, KKR have a few options to keep wickets. They can continue with Dahiya who made his IPL debut as concussion substitute and scored 11 runs from 12 balls in a tricky run chase. In the existing playing eleven, Finn Allen can keep wickets. Another option involves making changes in the current overseas players combination. New Zealand’s Tim Seifert can keep wickets as well.
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Raghuvanshi’s numbers in IPL 2026
In the ongoing season, Raghuvanshi has most runs for KKR. From 12 innings, he has scored 422 runs at an average of 42.20 and strike rate of 146.52. The top-order batter has five fifties as well.
However, if KKR manage to make it to playoffs, Raghuvanshi will be available to play in Eliminator clash at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur on May 27.
Who will be KKR’s no.3 vs DC?
36-year-old Manish Pandey got his first chance to bat this season. On a tough pitch, Pandey scored 45 runs from 33 deliveries, featuring six fours. He is the ideal candidate to bat at no.3.
If it is a high-scoring contest, KKR have the option of opening with Sunil Narine and Allen, pushing the skipper to no.3. Also, they can promote either Cameron Green or Rovman Powell.