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KKR's Ramandeep Calls Watson & Russell Coaching a 'Blessing' for IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Ramandeep Singh expressed his excitement about learning from new assistant coach Shane Watson and power coach Andre Russell ahead of IPL 2026. The 28-year-old, part of KKR's 2024 title win, aims to be a situation-oriented player and contribute more with the ball. He emphasized working on his mental preparation and consistency to become a reliable match-winner. KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, will begin their season against Mumbai Indians on March 29.

Key Points: Ramandeep on KKR's Watson, Russell Coaching for IPL 2026

  • Watson joins as KKR assistant coach
  • Russell is KKR's power coach
  • Ramandeep eyes all-rounder role
  • KKR opens IPL 2026 vs Mumbai Indians
  • Focus on mental prep & consistency
2 min read

IPL 2026: Having Watson, Russell as coaches is a blessing, says KKR all-rounder Ramandeep

KKR all-rounder Ramandeep Singh says working with coaches Shane Watson and Andre Russell is a blessing. He aims to absorb their lessons for IPL 2026.

"Having them in the dugout is a blessing. - Ramandeep Singh"

New Delhi, March 12

Kolkata Knight Riders seam-bowling all-rounder Ramandeep Singh said working under Shane Watson and Andre Russell in the franchise's coaching setup for IPL 2026 is a 'blessing', adding that he wants to soak in as many lessons as possible from the legendary all-rounders.

Watson has joined KKR as assistant coach while Russell has taken on the role of power coach. "Having them in the dugout is a blessing. I want to make the most of it and absorb as much as I can from them. I also hope I can emulate their success in the crucial, match-defining moments for the team," said Ramandeep in a statement issued by the franchise on Thursday.

Ramandeep, 28, joined KKR in 2024 and was part of the side that lifted their third IPL trophy. Since then, he has scored 172 runs at a strike rate of 167.9 and taken six wickets. He also impressed in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, hitting 209 runs at a strike rate of 195 and claiming nine wickets in 10 matches for his state Punjab.

"My approach for this year is very situation-oriented. I am working on my understanding of potential scenarios every time I step in to bat, I am also trying to understand how the pitch is evolving and playing the right shots accordingly," he added.

Ramandeep, who made two T20I appearances for India in 2024, added that he was keen to contribute with the ball in the season. "If given the opportunity, I want to deliver as a bowler too, because I believe I have the capability to be an all-rounder. I am going to give my best on the field, and I am hopeful the results will follow," he said.

Led by veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane, KKR finished in eighth place in IPL 2025 and will open their IPL 2026 campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in an evening game on March 29. Known as one of KKR's reliable finishers, Ramandeep signed off by saying his focus was on mental preparation and consistency.

"This is something I have been working on over the past year. I want to play the situation, not just entertain. My goal is to be a match-winner, and for that, it does not matter what people are saying on social media or elsewhere. My only focus is on improving my skills every day."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I appreciate his focus on playing the situation and not just entertaining. That's a mature mindset. Last season was disappointing for KKR, but with this kind of work ethic from players and such a strong coaching addition, they could be dark horses this year.
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Vikram M
His stats in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy were seriously impressive! Strike rate of 195 is no joke. If he can translate that form to the IPL, he'll be a nightmare for bowlers. Good to see a Punjab lad doing well. All the best!
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Rohit P
Respectfully, I hope the team management gives him a proper role. Last season, KKR's team balance seemed off. Players like Ramandeep need clarity—is he a pure finisher or a bowling all-rounder? Clarity will help him and the team.
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Priya S
Watson as assistant coach is a brilliant move! He was such a smart cricketer. And Russell's power-hitting knowledge is perfect for our Eden Gardens pitch. Ramandeep is lucky, yaar! Hope he learns the art of closing games from them. 🤞
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Michael C
Ignoring social media noise is the best thing any young player can do. Focus on the process, the results will come. His mindset seems spot-on. Looking forward to seeing him develop under this new coaching setup.

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