Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to rediscover their batting form against Kolkata Knight Riders, whose in-form bowling attack has revived their IPL 2026 playoff hopes.
Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating Mumbai Indians by four wickets in a rain-affected IPL match on Wednesday.
Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in their recent IPL match, with their bowling unit receiving high praise for restricting the opposition to a manageable total. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane credited the bowlers, particularly the spinners, for their consistent performance and ability to take crucial wickets.
Kolkata Knight Riders are considering giving Matheesha Pathirana his debut in their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, according to bowling coach Tim Southee. Pathirana has been with the team for two weeks after recovering from a calf injury. The decision hinges on team balance and conditions, with KKR aiming to win the Powerplay against SRH's strong batting line-up.
Together, Harshit Rana's early strikes, Sunil Narine's clinical dismantling, and Varun Chakravarthy's suffocating spell reduced CSK to just 103 for 9-their lowest-ever total at home.
Despite the leadership changes, KKR have retained key players, including Venkatesh Iyer, who has been re-signed at a huge price of Rs 23.75-crore and named the team's vice-captain.
Sunil Narine was the pick of the Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers, snapping three wickets and conceding just 13 runs in his spell of four overs. He did well with the bat too, scoring 44 runs from 18 balls, which included five maximums and two boundaries.
'This is going to be my 14th year in the IPL. I've played with them outside of IPL as well. It's like a family-based team for me. Every time I play with the Knight Riders logo, it feels like this is where I belong.'
Back home after nearly a month on the road and with their campaign hanging by a thread, Kolkata Knight Riders will look to stay alive in the IPL when they face a rampaging Gujarat Titans side chasing a top-two finish in Kolkata on Saturday.
Kolkata Knight Riders' head coach Abhishek Nayar said the team missed the combination of spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine in their loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with Chakravarthy absent due to a niggle. Nayar also acknowledged that dropping Virat Kohli's catch early in his innings proved costly.
Kuldeep Yadav marked his return in stunning three-wicket haul to complement K L Rahul's blazing half-century at the top as Delhi Capitals outclassed a lacklustre Kolkata Knight Riders by 40 runs.
Tearaway pacer Umran Malik is set for his KKR debut in IPL 2026 after missing last season due to a hip injury.
Kolkata Knight Riders are under pressure to reverse their losing streak as they face a strong Gujarat Titans side in the Indian Premier League. KKR's struggles with team selection, batting order, and bowling form have compounded their problems, while Gujarat Titans are gaining momentum with key players finding form.
Delhi Capitals face Kolkata Knight Riders in a crucial IPL match, needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
LSG fast bowler Naveen Ul Haq conceded that all their plans failed against the star West Indian allrounder.
KKR arrived in IPL 2026 with big signings and high expectations. But instead of another title push, the season unravelled into a frustrating mix of injuries and missed opportunities.
Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking for their spinners to rediscover their form against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL match.
The ICC board has formed a committee to assess the impact of the growing franchise cricket leagues on the international cricket calendar, aiming to strike a balance and prevent disruption.
Narine stars as KKR keep playoff hopes alive with 14-run win over DC
A timely unbeaten 53 from vice-captain Rinku Singh and a fine spell from Varun Chakravarthy powered former champions Kolkata Knight Riders to their first win of IPL 2026.
The Kolkata Knight Riders face significant challenges heading into IPL 2026, including key player injuries and the need to integrate new acquisitions into the squad.
Narine not only celebrated his birthday but also achieved a remarkable double - winning the IPL title with his team and being crowned the MVP
Rinku Singh credits Gautam Gambhir for Sunil Narine's transformation as 'specialist opener'
Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants in a tense Super Over finish in Lucknow on Sunday, surviving a major batting collapse before holding their nerve in the decider to snatch a dramatic win in a clash between two struggling sides.
Kolkata Knight Riders face Mumbai Indians in a crucial IPL match, needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Their fate also depends on other match results.
Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the limelight in his first full season of IPL with some dazzling performances for the Rajasthan Royals.
Narine's purple patch has compelled West Indies captain Rovman Powell to encourage the spinner to come out of retirement for the home World Cup.
Spinner Noor Ahmad excelled with the ball as a clinical Chennai Super Kings outclassed Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs.
Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2026 campaign is faltering due to constant tactical changes, lack of role clarity, and underperforming stars, leaving them winless after five games.
An inside look at the world of IPL net bowlers, the unsung heroes who hone their skills while bowling to cricket's biggest stars, hoping for a chance to shine.
Kolkata Knight Riders face a tough challenge against a strong Punjab Kings side in their upcoming IPL match.
Chennai Super Kings will aim to build on their recent victory as they host a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2026 match on Wednesday.
Gambhir feels if Narine bowls at quicker pace he will be way more effective.
Finn Allen smashed a sensational unbeaten 47-ball century with 10 sixes and joined a league of extraordinary gentlemen, as Kolkata Knight Riders crushed Delhi Capitals, registering their fourth straight IPL win and boosting playoff hopes.
Images from Sunday's IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, in Lucknow.
Mumbai Indians will begin their quest to end a five-year title drought in the Indian Premier League against a depleted Kolkata Knight Riders side.
KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir rates Sunil Narine as one the greatest bowler in the history of IPL.
Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to join Kolkata Knight Riders, providing a much-needed boost to their struggling bowling attack as they seek their first win in the IPL season.
Skipper Rishabh Pant conceded Lucknow Super Giants 'definitely need a break' after they succumbed to a Super Over loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
Rinku Singh has been a part of KKR for the last seven seasons, having joined the franchise for Rs 80 lakh at the 2018 IPL Players' Auction.
