Shane Watson, KKR's assistant coach, revealed that the team is strategizing to exploit any early mistakes from Virat Kohli in their upcoming IPL 2026 match against RCB. Kohli, despite recent struggles, remains a significant threat with a strong record against KKR.
Key points
Shane Watson is the assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Virat Kohli has struggled recently with back-to-back ducks.
Kohli has a strong record against KKR, scoring three half-centuries in four games.
Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Shane Watson admitted his side are hoping for an early mistake from Virat Kohli when KKR face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial IPL 2026 clash on Wednesday.
Kohli has once again been among RCBâs standout performers this season, scoring 379 runs in 11 matches at an average of 42.11 and a strike rate of 163.36. However, the veteran batter enters the contest after suffering back-to-back ducks against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians.
Despite those failures, Watson made it clear that KKR are fully aware of the threat Kohli poses, especially given his recent record against them. The RCB star has struck three half-centuries in his last four games against Kolkata and remains one of the biggest obstacles in KKRâs path.
âEvery team is always going to have plans against Virat where you perceive thereâs a weakness to be, but we all know, with King Kohli, he knows exactly how to better try and navigate that as well as possible," Watson said during the pre-match press conference.
Watson referred to Kohliâs dismissal against Mumbai Indians, where the batter charged at Deepak Chahar early in his innings and mistimed a lofted shot to mid-off.
âYeah, we just hope that he tries to play a shot like he did in the last game, a more aggressive shot right at the start of his innings. Weâve got our fingers crossed that it might happen. Chances of that happening are remote, knowing Virat," he added with a smile.
The former Australia all-rounder then showered praise on Kohliâs relentless hunger and intensity.
âBut look, heâs something else. He always has beenâŠâŠ his insatiable appetite just to be the very, very, very best, every ball is engaged in the game that continues to burn so brightly for him. So we know weâve got to be right on from ball one with Virat. Otherwise, he just sets a platform and a quick platform for his team so amazingly well, and he has over the years. So we have fingers crossed that we can start very well and hope that he might make a rare error and get us into the game a little bit," Watson said.
The upcoming match carries huge significance for KKRâs playoff hopes. Kolkata currently sit on nine points from 10 games and cannot afford another slip-up in the tightly packed points table race.
Interestingly, KKR have staged a remarkable turnaround after enduring a disastrous start to their campaign. The side failed to register a single win in their opening six matches but have since bounced back strongly with four consecutive victories to keep their qualification hopes alive heading into the clash against RCB.
Q&A
What is Virat Kohli's recent performance in IPL 2026?
Virat Kohli has scored 379 runs in 11 matches this season, averaging 42.11 with a strike rate of 163.36.
How has Kohli performed against KKR in recent matches?
Kohli has hit three half-centuries in his last four games against Kolkata Knight Riders.
What strategy is KKR planning to use against Virat Kohli?
KKR is hoping to capitalize on any early mistakes from Kohli, as they recognize his potential threat in the match.
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