Kolkata Knight Riders began their IPL 2022 campaign well enough, winning three of their first four games. But four straight losses since have badly hurt Shreyas Iyer and his teammates, who find themselves languishing at No.8 in the standings, just above the two bottom-placed teams (Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians).

The circumstances demand the Knights to break that losing streak as quickly as possible if they are to keep their chances of making the play-offs and then play at Eden Gardens, their home ground, after three years.

The scope of playing at the Eden, Shreyas said the other day, is turning out to be a motivation for the Knights to turn it around, but that has to begin with the game versus Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Thursday.

There’s some good news for the Knights though, as opener Aaron Finch, who missed their previous game against Gujarat Titans owing to a shoulder injury, is better now and should be available for selection. Batting has been one major issue for the Knights this time as well, so Finch’s return does provide them with a little bit of solution, especially against an inconsistent side like Delhi.

However, head coach Brendon McCullum had some morale-boosting words to say for the Knights. “Whoever gets the opportunity to play out in the middle, you have the entire squad’s backing,” McCullum told a team huddle, which was posted on KKR’s Instagram handle on Wednesday.

“If you put all your effort, then you will get 100 per cent total confidence and total trust and loyalty from myself.

“I don’t care if you make mistakes, provided you keep trying to be better. I want you to always think if you’re in a pressure situation, ‘how can I get a clearer mind and make a decision’? Whatever that decision is, wholeheartedly put your efforts into it. Never doubt that.”