Former Australia all-rounder and Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Shane Watson has showered praise on veteran batter Manish Pandey after his crucial innings guided KKR to a four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in a must-win IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens.
Pandey played a composed knock of 45 runs off 33 balls, helping Kolkata Knight Riders chase down a target of 148 in difficult batting conditions. The victory kept KKR’s playoff hopes alive with one league match remaining.
Watson Calls It Pandey’s Best Form in Years
Speaking after the match, Watson said Pandey is batting with greater freedom and confidence than he has shown in recent seasons. The former Australian star described the innings as one of the finest he has seen from the experienced batter in years.
Watson also praised Pandey’s preparation and professionalism throughout the tournament, highlighting his strong performances in practice sessions and centre-wicket games before getting an opportunity higher up the batting order.
The KKR assistant coach further emphasised Pandey’s value beyond batting, calling him one of the team’s fittest players and best fielders despite being 36 years old. He pointed to Pandey’s stunning catches this season as proof of his athleticism and commitment.
KKR Stay Alive in Playoff Race
Apart from Pandey’s steady innings, power-hitter Rovman Powell contributed an important 40 runs to help KKR finish the chase with seven balls remaining. Earlier, Mumbai Indians managed 147/8, with Corbin Bosch’s late cameo helping them recover after regular wickets.
The win moved KKR to 13 points and kept them in contention for the final playoff spot heading into their last league-stage encounter against Delhi Capitals. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, slipped further down the standings after another disappointing campaign.
Pandey, who became the first Indian batter to score an IPL century back in 2009, has once again emerged as a key figure for KKR at a crucial stage of the tournament.
