navdeep saini

Kolkata Knight Riders cling to playoff hopes despite an inconsistent IPL 2026 season, with Varun Chakaravarthy's fitness a key concern. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya is expected to return from injury, aiming to regain form in a match significant for his personal performance.

Kolkata Knight Riders made a surprise switch, bringing in left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey for the injured Varun Chakravarthy in a crucial IPL 2026 match against RCB. Dubey, a domestic player for Vidarbha, gets his long-awaited IPL debut after previously being part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad without playing. This unexpected inclusion highlights KKR's strategic move under pressure.

Saurabh Dubey’s selection as Kolkata Knight Riders’ injury replacement raised eyebrows after the left-arm pacer spent over two years out of competitive cricket. But KKR’s faith in the former net bowler is beginning to pay off. After impressive spells against Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, including wickets of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, Dubey has emerged as one of the surprise stories of KKR’s season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru aims to solidify their top-two spot against a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB, despite recent wins, faces batting concerns with key players struggling. KKR, on a four-match winning streak, is finding form, though spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's injury is a worry. Finn Allen's century highlights KKR's batting resurgence.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders, citing a good batting surface and the team's aggressive approach. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane also preferred to bat but expressed confidence after a reflective break. Both teams made two changes to their lineups.

Lucknow Super Giants face a critical survival test against Kolkata Knight Riders after four consecutive defeats. LSG's batting struggles and inability to leverage their home ground are major concerns. KKR, buoyed by a recent win, aim to build momentum, with their spinners posing a potential threat to LSG's inconsistent batting lineup.

Rajasthan Royals opted to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, with skipper Riyan Parag citing a dry pitch conducive to spin. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, though preferring to bat, expressed confidence in his bowlers. Both teams made changes to their lineups, with key players returning for Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Royals aim for a strong comeback against a winless Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. RR, halted by SRH, face a struggling KKR side yet to register a victory this season. KKR's woes are compounded by an inexperienced pace attack and injuries to key bowlers.

Under pressure after four losses, Kolkata Knight Riders have replaced Finn Allen with Tim Seifert, opting to bat first against Gujarat Titans. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane emphasised playing fearless cricket and resetting their approach. Gujarat Titans, unchanged, aim to continue their strong run, while KKR desperately seek their maiden victory.

Kolkata Knight Riders players wore black armbands during their IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings to mourn the passing of former India cricketer C. D. Gopinath. Gopinath was a member of India's first-ever Test-winning team and a significant figure in early Indian cricket history.

Gujarat Titans, on a two-match winning streak, are heavily favored against a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 clash. KKR, winless after five games and at the bottom of the table, faces a formidable challenge against a resurgent GT side at the batting-friendly Narendra Modi Stadium.

Chennai Super Kings, buoyed by a recent win and Sanju Samson's century, host a winless Kolkata Knight Riders. Chepauk's pace-friendly pitch and humid conditions with dew favor the home side. CSK aim to extend KKR's losing streak, while the visitors desperately seek their first victory of the season amidst batting and bowling concerns.

MS Dhoni's absence continues to be felt by CSK fans as he missed another IPL 2026 match due to a calf strain. Despite batting in the nets, the veteran is still recovering and has not yet regained full match fitness. The team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, is focused on finding the right combination and consistency.

KKR got a big boost as ace spinner Sunil Narine came back into the side after missing last match against PBKS.

Kolkata Knight Riders, struggling for form and ideas, face a confident Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens today. Mohammed Shami's potent bowling poses a significant threat to KKR's fragile top order, while LSG's bowling depth adds to the challenge. KKR's batting remains a concern, with potential changes on the cards.

Despite earlier heavy rain and a yellow alert, the IPL 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens is expected to proceed as scheduled. AccuWeather forecasts near-zero rain chances by toss time, with clear to partly cloudy skies and comfortable temperatures anticipated for a full 40-over contest.

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green could soon resume bowling for Kolkata Knight Riders after being seen practising in the nets. Captain Ajinkya Rahane said his bowling improves team balance. After earlier confusion, Cricket Australia confirmed he is recovering from a back issue and gradually building workload, with a return likely soon.

Rain halted the IPL clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens, marking a second consecutive season washout. Kolkata, despite a shaky start at 25/2, secured a point, while Punjab, who had taken two early wickets, might feel they missed an opportunity. The match was abandoned without a five-over contest possible.

Ashwin criticised the decision to bat first, pointing out that rain had been forecast before the match and that KKR were playing with an inexperienced bowling attack.

KKR, in search of their first win of the season, were rocked early as Xavier Bartlett struck twice in the space of three balls.

KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and decided to bat first at Eden Gardens.

Kolkata Knight Riders' pacer Harshit Rana, sidelined for IPL 2026 due to knee surgery, is supporting his team from the stands. The young bowler, who also missed the T20 World Cup, was recently honored with a debutant award. KKR faces Punjab Kings amidst rain concerns and a search for their first win.

Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders face mounting pressure against an in-form Punjab Kings. KKR's shaky start is marred by questionable team combinations and a lack of clarity, while Punjab Kings have begun strongly with balanced contributions. A significant improvement is needed for KKR to challenge the confident Punjab outfit.

Kolkata Knight Riders face a formidable Punjab Kings, led by former KKR star Shreyas Iyer, in a crucial IPL clash. Struggling KKR, seeking to avoid a third consecutive loss, must overcome strategic missteps and inconsistent form against a confident Punjab side. Eden Gardens is expected to host a high-scoring encounter.

Kolkata Knight Riders confront bowling weaknesses, especially spin, as they host Sunrisers Hyderabad. This match begins a vital home series for KKR. Both teams aim for improved performances after initial setbacks. The encounter promises an exciting contest between two strong batting lineups. Fans can catch the action live on Star Sports and JioHotstar.

Kolkata Knight Riders are scrambling for replacements ahead of IPL 2026 after Harshit Rana's injury. Mid-preseason trials at Eden Gardens are underway, with navdeep saini and Akash Madhwal among those being assessed. The team also faces concerns with Mustafizur Rahman's departure and Matheesha Pathirana's delayed return, intensifying their bowling worries.

Kolkata Knight Riders face Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial IPL 2026 clash, both seeking their first win after opening defeats. KKR's bowling attack, particularly spinners Narine and Chakravarthy, needs to find form at their Eden Gardens fortress. SRH also grapple with bowling vulnerabilities despite a strong batting lineup. Both teams aim to secure vital points.

Rana, who sustained a ligament strain in his right knee injury during India's T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa, is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling woes deepen as pacer Akash Deep is ruled out for at least eight weeks with a lower-back stress injury. This sidelines him from the IPL and casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming Test against Afghanistan. The injury recurred during his rehabilitation, adding to KKR's growing list of unavailable bowlers.