In a thrilling finish at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opened their account in TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 by securing a dramatic four-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR). After KKR’s spinners, led by Varun Chakaravarthy, staged a sensational comeback to restrict RR to 155/9, Rinku Singh reprised his role as the ultimate finisher for the hosts. His unbeaten 53, combined with a crucial partnership with Anukul Roy, saw the home side chase down the target with two deliveries to spare.

Opting to bat first, RR looked set for a big total as young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (46 off 28) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (39 off 29) provided a brisk start. The duo exploited the powerplay brilliantly, propelling the score to 81/0 in 8.3 overs. However, the introduction of KKR’s ‘spin twins’ turned the tide.

Varun Chakaravarthy produced a masterclass in middle-overs control, finishing with spectacular figures of 3/14. Sunil Narine (2/26) provided the perfect foil, removing the dangerous Jaiswal and Donovan Ferreira.

 

 

 

 

 

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From a position of dominance, RR collapsed to 124/5 by the 16th over. KKR’s slog overs bowling delivered to keep the run-scoring in control, before Kartik Tyagi struck thrice in the 19th over to further stifle RR, who ended with 155/9.

KKR’s chase began in disastrous fashion. Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer exploited the seam movement under lights, dismissing both Tim Seifert and Ajinkya Rahane for ducks within the first eight balls. In the process, Archer struck on the first ball of the innings for the third match in a row, this time cleaning up Seifert.

 

 

 

 

 

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When Cameron Green (27) was brilliantly stumped by Dhruv Jurel off Ravi Bishnoi and the in-form Angkrish Raghuvanshi fell to Ravindra Jadeja (2/8), KKR were reeling at 70/5 in the 11th over. The pressure intensified as Rovman Powell departed shortly after, leaving KKR staring at a seventh consecutive defeat.

 

 

 

 

 

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With 86 runs needed off the final nine overs, Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy joined forces for a rescue mission. Rinku, who was dropped on eight by Burger, made the most of his lifeline. The pair initially focused on rotation of strike before launching a calculated attack. The game changed in the 16th over as the duo took 19 runs off Ravi Bishnoi. Anukul Roy played a vital cameo of 29* off 16 balls, including a massive six off Jofra Archer in the penultimate over, to bring the equation down to nine runs off the final six balls.

Brijesh Sharma was entrusted with the final over, but Rinku Singh was in no mood to let the game slip. He started the over with back-to-back boundaries - a pull behind square followed by a fierce drive through extra cover. With the scores level, Rinku finished the game in vintage style, swiveling to pull a short ball over fine leg for six to bring up his half-century and KKR's first two points of the season.

While RR missed the opportunity to go to the top of the points table, KKR moved up a spot into ninth place.

 

 

 

 

 

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