Eden Gardens witnessed fireworks on Thursday as Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Rahuvaanshi notched the second-best partnership for their side against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 Match 15. The 84-run second-wicket alliance off 52 deliveries rescued KKR from early trouble and set the tone for a competitive chase.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, LSG struck early when Prince Yadav dismissed Finn Allen for 9, caught by Digvesh Rathi. Enter Rahane and Rahuvaanshi, who counterattacked with flair. Rahane’s 41 off 24 balls featured 4 fours and 2 sixes, blending solidity with aggression. Rahuvaanshi, the rising star, contributed 45 from 33 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes, displaying maturity beyond his years.
The record is now etched in IPL lore, surpassed only by Shreyas Iyer and Phil Salt’s 120-run stand in 2024. Rinku Singh fell cheaply for 4 to Avesh Khan, but the platform was laid.
KKR tweaked their XI with Sunil Narine’s fitness-driven return, benching Blessing Muzarabani. Varun Chakaravarthy sat out due to a finger niggle. After two defeats and a no-result against Punjab Kings, this performance signals resurgence under Rahane’s leadership.
Fans at Eden Gardens are buzzing—can KKR convert this momentum into their maiden IPL 2026 victory?
