KKR CEO Venky Mysore Crowns Sunil Narine ‘King’ of IPL 2026, Overlooks Virat Kohli

Zayn Kapoor · 04/05/2026 · 6 min read

In This Article

The New Monarch of the IPL? Venky Mysore’s Bold Statement
Sunil Narine vs. Virat Kohli: Two Icons, One Franchise Loyalty
Narine’s Illustrious Records
The Ongoing IPL 2026 Narrative

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 continues to deliver an enthralling cricketing experience, marked by both nail-biting low-scoring encounters and exhilarating high-scoring thrillers. From brilliant centuries illuminating the scoreboard to decisive super overs, the current edition has already gifted fans some of the tournament’s most memorable moments. Amidst this cricketing carnival, one name has consistently shone brightly: Virat Kohli. The Royal Challengers Bangalore stalwart has been in sensational form this season, relentlessly pursuing the coveted Orange Cap, a testament to his unparalleled batting prowess.

However, a recent pronouncement from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp has shifted the spotlight, introducing a fresh contender for the unofficial, yet highly revered, title of ‘King’ of the IPL. KKR CEO Venky Mysore stirred the cricketing world by unequivocally naming their veteran spinner, Sunil Narine, as the new monarch of the tournament. This declaration, made in the backdrop of Narine’s recent milestone, has inevitably drawn comparisons and sparked discussions, especially given Kohli’s established stature and the widespread ‘King Kohli’ moniker.

The New Monarch of the IPL? Venky Mysore’s Bold Statement

The genesis of this significant declaration lies in Sunil Narine’s monumental achievement during an IPL 2026 fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Narine etched his name into the annals of IPL history by securing his 200th wicket, a feat that not only underscored his enduring impact but also set two remarkable records. He became the first overseas player in the rich cash-league to reach this incredible milestone and, perhaps even more impressively, the first player ever to achieve it while playing for a single franchise throughout his IPL career. This rare combination of loyalty and performance undoubtedly resonated deeply within the KKR management.

The historic 200th wicket came when Narine dismissed Salil Arora, triggering celebrations and prompting KKR CEO Venky Mysore to laud the spinner as the ‘new king of IPL’. This praise was not merely for the milestone itself but for Narine’s consistent match-winning contributions. In the very match where he achieved this feat, Narine delivered an outstanding spell of 2/31 from his four overs, playing a pivotal role in KKR’s dominant 7-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. This win marked KKR’s third consecutive triumph, further solidifying their position in the tournament standings and highlighting Narine’s invaluable presence.

During the post-match presentation, a visibly impressed Mysore presented Narine with a special gift, accompanied by words that cemented his new royal status. “This is the first time I am seeing; I just double checked with the king. This is the first time I am seeing him opening the bowling, and of course, his bowling powerplay. We have seen him do all kinds of things,” Venky Mysore stated, reflecting on Narine’s versatility and unexpected roles. “But today, when he had the ball in hand, I said, This is the first for me. I have never seen that before, but two in a row, and they set the tone beautifully there. But amazing the whole bowling unit, so I thought today, with 200 wickets, we have got to give King the game changer,” added Mysore in the dressing room, underscoring Narine’s role as a true game-changer for the franchise.

Sunil Narine vs. Virat Kohli: Two Icons, One Franchise Loyalty

The discussion surrounding the ‘King’ title naturally brings two titans of the IPL into focus: Sunil Narine and Virat Kohli. Both cricketers stand as veterans of the game, sharing the unique distinction of having played exclusively for a single franchise since their respective arrivals in the IPL. Kohli has been the bedrock of Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Narine has been the linchpin for Kolkata Knight Riders. Their careers, though distinct in their specializations, are united by an extraordinary commitment to their teams and an unparalleled impact on the league.

Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation, continues to rewrite record books. He remains the leading run-scorer in the tournament’s history, having amassed over 9,040* runs. His current form in IPL 2026 has been nothing short of sensational, with his consistent performances driving RCB’s campaign and keeping him firmly in contention for the Orange Cap. His presence on the field, his aggressive style, and his leadership qualities have made him an enduring icon for millions of fans.

On the other hand, Sunil Narine made his IPL debut in 2012 for KKR and has since evolved into one of the most reliable and impactful players in the league’s history. From his mystery spin to his surprising bursts with the bat, Narine has consistently been a match-winner for the Knights. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and stifle opposition scoring has made him indispensable, embodying the spirit of a true all-rounder.

Narine’s Illustrious Records

Only Player to Win Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award Thrice: Narine holds the distinction of being the sole cricketer to have won the IPL MVP award three times (in 2012, 2018, and 2024), a testament to his consistent all-round excellence.
Third Leading Wicket-Taker in IPL History: With 201 wickets from 126 innings, Narine stands as the third-highest wicket-taker in the history of the IPL, an incredible achievement for a spinner in a league dominated by fast bowlers.
Three IPL Titles with KKR: He has been an integral part of KKR’s championship-winning campaigns, lifting the IPL trophy thrice with the Knights in 2012, 2014, and 2024, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches.

The 37-year-old all-rounder continues to defy age, with his recent performances indicating no slowdown. He will undoubtedly be looking to continue picking crucial wickets and delivering match-winning performances for KKR throughout the ongoing season, further cementing his legendary status.

The Ongoing IPL 2026 Narrative

The TATA Indian Premier League 2026 has, true to its nature, kept fans on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable outcomes and individual brilliance. The contrasting yet equally impactful journeys of Sunil Narine and Virat Kohli exemplify the rich talent pool and competitive spirit of the tournament. While Kohli strives for individual batting glory and team success with RCB, Narine continues to be the silent assassin for KKR, proving his worth with both ball and, at times, bat.

Venky Mysore’s ‘King’ declaration for Narine, while a powerful statement of appreciation, also adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of the IPL. It’s a reminder that greatness manifests in many forms, and impact is not solely measured by runs scored but also by crucial breakthroughs, game-changing spells, and unwavering loyalty to a single franchise. The debate over who truly holds the ‘king’ title will undoubtedly continue, fueling passionate discussions among cricket enthusiasts.

As IPL 2026 progresses, both Narine and Kohli will be pivotal to their respective franchises’ ambitions. Narine’s continued form will be crucial for KKR’s title aspirations, while Kohli will aim to lead RCB to their maiden championship. Regardless of who ultimately claims individual accolades or team glory, their contributions have indelibly shaped the league’s legacy.

Also Read: Why IPL foreign players fly back home for injury scans: 3 key reasons revealed

Zayn Kapoor

Zayn Kapoor is a senior cricket correspondent for The Indian Express, acclaimed for his incisive coverage of the sport’s most electric rivalry: India versus Pakistan. An alumnus of Hindu College, University of Delhi, he began his career on the domestic circuit before quickly establishing himself as a sharp analyst and a gifted storyteller. Zayn’s work is defined by his ability to bridge two cricketing cultures; his features often explore the shared histories, mutual admiration, and occasional tensions that make India‑Pakistan contests unrivalled. He has a deep technical grasp of fast bowling and has interviewed some of the greatest pacers from both sides of the border. A recipient of the Sardar Hazara Singh Award and a regular face on television panels, Zayn brings nuance, empathy, and a historian’s eye to every piece he writes. He is also a passionate advocate for preserving cricket’s oral histories and grassroots traditions.