After a dismal start to IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders tasted sweet success against Rajasthan Royals in a high-voltage clash at Eden Gardens. Rinku Singh’s match-winning knock alongside Anukul Roy propelled KKR to a dramatic four-wicket triumph, ending a six-match winless streak.
RR skipper called correctly at the toss and batted first, mustering 155/9. The opening pair of Vaibhav Suryavanshi (46 off 28) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (39 off 29) fired 81 in the powerplay. But KKR’s spin duo of Kartik Tyagi and Varun Chakaravarthy ran through the batting lineup, grabbing three scalps each. Sunil Narine chipped in with two wickets. Lower down, Hetmyer (15) and Parag (12) couldn’t accelerate.
Target in sight, KKR imploded early. Seifert ducked the first ball, Rahane followed suit, leaving them reeling at 5/2. Green (27 off 13) and Powell (23) fought back, but at 85/6, the chase hung by a thread.
Rinku and Roy turned the tide with a sensational 76-run stand. Rinku’s unbeaten 53 (34 balls, 5×4, 2×6) and Roy’s 29* (16 balls, 3×4) sealed a thrilling chase in 19.4 overs. Jadeja’s two wickets were RR’s highlight, supported by single strikes from Archer, Burger, Bishnoi, and Yash Raj.
KKR’s first points lift them to ninth, healing wounds from initial losses and a washout. RR’s four wins are now marred by consecutive defeats, yet they cling to third. This Eden thriller reaffirms KKR’s fighting spirit under pressure.
