Barely hanging on just days ago, Kolkata Knight Riders kept their hopes alive with a gritty win over Mumbai Indians, four wickets to spare, under fading light at Eden Gardens midweek. Shunned early on, after crashing in five of their opening six games, they’ve clawed back through sheer persistence, stacking wins when few expected it. Their pulse flickers still,
tied to slim chances, yet undeniably present.

The team under Ajinkya Rahane delivered a sharp performance across both departments. Their bowlers took charge early, thriving on a tricky pitch that kept the Mumbai Indians to just 147 for eight. Mumbai had already been knocked out before this match began.

In reply, Kolkata needed 148 but faced brief hiccups along the way. Still, they stayed steady through pressure moments. The winning runs came in the 19th over – more precisely, off the third last ball of the 18th over. With this win, KKR reached 13 points after playing all 13 games.

KKR’s playoff hopes stay alive in IPL 2026

Thirteen matches down for each squad, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru lock one spot early. Gujarat Titans follow close behind, claiming theirs without delay. Sunrisers Hyderabad edge into the mix next, sealing another place. Left in the balance – just one space still up for grabs.

Rajasthan Royals hover near the edge, waiting on results. So do the Punjab Kings, clinging to slim chances. KKR stay within reach, eyes fixed on victory. Chennai Super Kings push hard, knowing only a win helps now. Delhi Capitals stand at the same crossroads, too. One last match decides everything for these five.

One loss won’t knock out Rajasthan Royals just yet – their fate depends on numbers and someone else’s stumble. If Delhi Capitals meet KKR in the final stretch, whoever wins must also drag down their run rate enough to slip below RR. Luck needs to tilt one way, margins another. Survival hangs not only on runs scored but on rivals tripping at the right moment. A narrow path stays open, fragile, tied to timing and totals.
When the moment came, Manish Pandey showed up for KKR. With Angkrish Raghuvanshi out due to injury, they moved him up to number three. He held things together during the run chase. His calm 45 from 33 deliveries included six fours. Stability flowed from his bat whenever pressure built.

A key partnership of 64 runs formed between him and Rovman Powell, whose 40 came from 30 balls – four fours plus two maximums woven into the tally. Falling short of seeing it through didn’t stop Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy; they steered KKR across steadily. The chase held firm even after their exits.

What’s next for KKR in IPL 2026?

Now sitting sixth, KKR moved up from eighth after winning, but their path forward hinges on matches they’re not playing. Watching how things unfold when RR face MI becomes key for KKR, ahead of their own last match against Delhi.

If the Royals win, KKR can no longer reach the playoffs; their last match loses all meaning. Their chance ends here.

Falling short again, the Mumbai Indians now face a ninth defeat in just thirteen games, their struggles stretching on without pause. Right away, under tough conditions at bat, KKR’s bowlers pushed pressure.