Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has praised Kartik Tyagi for making a splendid comeback in the ongoing IPL 2026. The young fast bowler, who has dealt with multiple injuries in his short career, has hit the right areas in the ongoing season.

Tyagi returned with impressive figures of 2-37 in his quota of four overs against Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday. Thus, he played a key role in restricting the opposition to 147.

Tyagi is KKR’s highest wicket taker of the ongoing season and fifth overall, with 18 scalps in 13 matches at an average of 24.61 and an economy rate of 9.42. Furthermore, Kartik has impressed with his speed in the ongoing season.

“Kartik Tyagi is the comeback story of this IPL season. He has worked hard on his fitness, and it has paid off. In 2022, he played only two matches and took one wicket. In 2023, he played three games and took one wicket. In 2024, he played just one match. He went unsold in the 2025 auction, but that break allowed him to focus on his fitness and overcome his injury problems,” Raina told JioHotstar. 

On the other hand, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane also gave credit to his bowlers for carrying their impressive domestic form into the IPL.

He said in the post-match presentation, “I was really happy with Varun and Sunny bowling together, but I just want to mention a few names. Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, taking that responsibility, you know, carrying that performance from the domestic season, that confidence and getting it here, bowling under pressure each and every time and contribution has been amazing.”

Kolkata Knight Riders will next take on Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday.