Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer lavished praise on Rinku Singh after Kolkata Knight Riders claimed a four-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday. 

The left-hander scored a mature knock of 53 runs off 34 balls against the inaugural champions in the run-chase of 160 as he made the most of his experience. The UP batter scored five fours and two sixes in his unbeaten match-winning knock.

Singh had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped by Nandre Burger when he was on run-a-ball eight but Jaffer praised the southpaw when he didn’t give the opposition another chance.

Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube Channel, “During the chase, there was a slight collapse, but Rinku Singh, whom we had somewhat criticised for not making an impact in the tournament so far, played a very responsible innings. He did get a life with a dropped catch, but after that, he did not give another chance.”

Jaffer said it was good to see Singh back amongst the runs after he was dismissed cheaply in the first few games of IPL 2026.

“Good to see Rinku back because he is a quality player. But the way he got out in the earlier matches, I was quite disappointed because this is not how Rinku usually plays. It was good to see him take responsibility and win the game for KKR.”

Jaffer also lauded Anukul Roy, who added the finishing touches with 16-ball 29 in the run-chase. The Bengal cricketer had performed consistently in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and was awarded Player of the Tournament.

Jaffer concluded, “Anukul Roy, who has been in excellent form in domestic cricket and was the Player of the Tournament in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, showed why teams are interested in him. He spent several years with Mumbai Indians and is now getting opportunities with KKR. Overall, it was a good win for KKR, a hard-fought one in my opinion.”

KKR will next take on Lucknow Super Giants at Lucknow on Sunday.