The three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will aim to keep their playoff dreams alive as they take on five-time
champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 65 of the IPL 2026 at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Wednesday, May 20.
After a horrific start to their season that included six consecutive losses, the Ajinkya Rahane-led side have recovered remarkably well, winning five of their last six matches. Coming off a spectacular run of form, KKR know that this is a strict must-win encounter to remain mathematically alive in the race for the top four.
MI, on the other hand, is enduring one of their toughest seasons and has already been mathematically eliminated from the playoff race. Sitting at ninth place in the standings, the Hardik Pandya-led side has nothing to lose and will be playing purely for pride, aiming to act as ultimate spoilers and ruin KKR's late qualification charge.
Here is KKR’s predicted XI vs MI in Match 65 of IPL 2026:
Top-order: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Finn Allen (Impact), Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Finn Allen remains KKR’s best batter in IPL 2026 so far. Boasting a brutal strike rate, his job is pure destruction at the top. While Ajinkya Rahane has faced criticism for a dipping strike rate post-powerplay, his veteran leadership was essential to stabilising the squad after a poor start to the tournament. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been one of the lone silver linings for KKR's batting, scoring five half-centuries.
Middle-order: Cameron Green, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy
Cameron Green gives this XI a vital multi-dimensional option, being a versatile batter who can also chip in with critical overs with the ball. Manish Pandeycan be used to stop collapses, while vice-captain Rinku Singh remains the designated finisher charged with death-overs acceleration. Sunil Narine remains KKR's defensive option with the ball, working alongside Anukul Roy to choke runs in the middle phase. Both of them can also contribute with the bat.
Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Saurabh Dubey, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani
Despite doubts over his fitness, Varun Chakravarthy's mystery spin operates as the team's defensive option at the Eden. Left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey, brought into the squad as an injury replacement, teams up with the raw pace of Kartik Tyagi to bowl the powerplay overs. Muzarabani will be drafted into the XI after Pathirana’s injury.
KKR's predicted playing XI for match 65, IPL 2026
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Cameron Green, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Saurabh Dubey, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani
Impact Player: Finn Allen
