IPL 2026: 'Cannot simply replace someone like that' - Abhishek Nayar on Angkrish Raghuvanshi's injury ahead of high-stakes DC clash

Kolkata Knight Riders’ head coach Abhishek Nayar has backed his team to make it all the way as they enter into a do-or-die clash against the Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, May 24.

The Knight Riders will be without Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who sustained a finger injury and concussion in their game against the Mumbai Indians, after a collision with Varun Chakravarthy while attempting a catch. He has been their most reliable batter of the season, scoring 422 runs at a strike rate of 146.52

at number 3. He recorded five half-centuries with a highest score of 82 not out.

Nayar recognised Raghivanshi’s importance to their team, not just as the batter but behind the stumps. Despite the setback, he acknowledged it as a chance for the young wicketkeepers in the squad to show up and perform. He also stated that this is just one more setback that they have had to suffer this season. 

"From the start of the season, setbacks are something we have become used to. He has been such an integral part of the side, not only with the bat but also as a wicketkeeper behind the stumps. You cannot simply replace someone like that," Nayar acknowledged, speaking in the pre-match press conference.

"It is an opportunity for one of our young wicketkeepers to come in and do something special. I feel this tournament is all about opportunities," he added.

The three-time champions have been plagued by injuries all season. Seamers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep were ruled out before the start of the season, while Matheesha Pathirana joined the team late but had to pull out due to injury against the Gujarat Titans, bowling just 1.2 overs.

Despite the injuries and a slow start to the season, the Knight Riders have kept themselves in the hunt for the playoffs, but will need a victory by a significant margin against the Capitals and hope the Rajasthan Royals lose their match in the afternoon against the Mumbai Indians to ensure their qualification. Nayar attributed the late resurgence of his team to the consistency in his team, where they continued to back the players despite the early failures. 

"I would put it down to consistency. I often talk about adversity, and when you are in difficult situations, the one thing a leadership group can do is remain consistent with the players. When everything around you starts to feel like it is crumbling, you have to stay strong and stick to your core values as a team and as individuals,” Nayar elaborated.

The Knight Riders sit at 13 points with one game remaining, after a brilliant comeback. Losing five out of their first six games, they won six in their next seven games, leaving them in a position where a playoff spot is still possible.