Kolkata Knight Riders produced a fighting performance to register a four-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Match 28 of the Indian Premier League 2026
at the iconic Eden Gardens on Sunday, April 19.
Asked to bat first, RR posted 155/9 in their 20 overs. The innings was built around a solid 46 off 28 balls from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, while Yashasvi Jaiswal added a steady 39 off 29 at the top. However, RR lost momentum in the middle overs as wickets fell regularly.
For KKR, the spin duo of Sunil Narine (2/26) and Varun Chakaravarthy (3/14) led the charge, applying pressure through the middle overs. Kartik Tyagi also impressed with 3/22, ensuring RR were restricted to a below-par total.
In reply, KKR chased down the target, finishing at 161/6 in 19.4 overs. Rinku Singh anchored the innings brilliantly with an unbeaten 53 off 34 balls, while Anukul Roy provided strong support with a quick 29* off 16 to take the hosts over the line. RR bowlers, especially Ravindra Jadeja, were terrific as the experienced cricketer picked up two wickets, giving away just eight runs off the three he bowled.
Key Moments from Match 28 of IPL 2026:
KKR spin twins create havoc at Eden Gardens
The spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy once again proved their worth, dismantling the RR batting lineup. The pair combined for five wickets while conceding just 40 runs in their eight overs. Their control in the middle overs halted RR’s progress after a promising start. They were well supported by Kartik Tyagi, who picked up three crucial wickets.
WICKET x 2️⃣!
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 19, 2026
🎥 Spinners spinning #KKR back into the contest ☝️☝️
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/776nTdPbPj#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #KKRvRR | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/TyU5HsJuGv
Yet another horror start for KKR batters
KKR’s chase got off to the worst possible start. Tim Seifertwas dismissed on the very first ball by Jofra Archer, while skipper Ajinkya Rahane followed soon after, falling to Nandre Burger for a duck in the second over of KKR’s chase. The pressure continued as Cameron Green was stumped after a brilliant effort from Dhruv Jurel, leaving KKR struggling early in the chase.
Takes the ball 🔥
Runs in hard 🏃♂️
Strikes on the very first delivery 🎯
3️⃣ times in a row now. Jofra Archer is just unbelievable! 🙌
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/776nTdPbPj#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #KKRvRR | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/5bxkK7gU7O— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 19, 2026
‘Finisher’ Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy take KKR home
With the team under pressure, Rinku Singh once again stepped up as the finisher. His unbeaten half-century anchored the chase, while Anukul Roy played a crucial supporting role with an aggressive cameo.The duo stitched together a match-winning partnership, showing composure under pressure and guiding KKR to a memorable win despite the early setbacks.
How Anu-𝓬𝓸𝓸𝓵 was that! 😎
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 19, 2026
Calm under pressure! #AnukulRoy plays a gem of an innings in a thrilling run chase for #KKR! 💎🔥#TATAIPL 2026 ➡️ #KKRvRR | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/WYRBfg1pqf pic.twitter.com/p7AlA3DkhG
