IPL 2026: KKR on lookout for an opening against DC

KOLKATA: This edition of the IPL has produced many stunning twists — Punjab Kings’ dramatic meltdown, Rajasthan Royals’ blow-hot-blow-cold campaign and Kolkata Knight Riders’ remarkable recovery after being on the brink of exit, to name a few.

These twists have kept the league alive right up to the last day on Sunday, with one qualifying spot up for grabs. KKR will be taking on Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens here in the final game of this stage. The two teams will be keeping an eye on the afternoon match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. If Royals win the game, KKR and DC will be playing a dead rubber.




That would depend on whether Royals beat Mumbai Indians in the day’s first match. A win for Royals would take them to 16 points which will put it beyond KKR who are sitting on 13 points. If MI stun Royals, KKR will still have a window to sneak into the playoffs which was unimaginable when they failed to win a single game in their first six matches.
Punjab Kings’ victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday not only knocked Delhi Capitals out of the race, but also left KKR with a Herculean task. Given the difference in net run rate between PBKS (.309) and KKR (.011), the latter have to beat DC by a huge margin, provided Rajasthan Royals lose to Mumbai Indians. If KKR manage to pull it off, it will be the highlight of their riveting revival and will surely install them as a formidable force in the qualifiers.
KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar, however, is trying to not sleep over it. “We can control only the controllables,” he said.

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