In the final league match of the Indian Premier League2026 season on May 24, the Delhi Capitals signed off in impressive fashion with a commanding 40-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to field first, hoping his bowlers could restrict Delhi Capitals on what appeared to be a good batting surface. However, the Capitals batters made full use of the conditions and posted a challenging total of 203/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

The foundation of Delhi’s innings was laid by KL Rahul, who played a fluent and aggressive knock at the top of the order.

Rahul smashed 60 runs from just 30 deliveries, striking boundaries consistently and keeping the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace. For Kolkata Knight Riders, left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey emerged as the standout performer with the ball. He picked up two important wickets while conceding 28 runs in his spell.

Chasing 204 for victory, Kolkata Knight Riders needed a strong start, but the Delhi bowlers struck at regular intervals to keep the pressure firmly on the home side. Despite the setbacks, captain Ajinkya Rahane fought hard for KKR with an impressive innings of 63 runs off 39 balls. 

Kuldeep Yadav finished with figures of 3/29 and consistently troubled the batters with his spin. Lungi Ngidi also delivered a superb performance, claiming 3/27 with his disciplined pace bowling. Mitchell Starc added further damage with 2/26 in his three overs. KKR were eventually restricted to 163 runs, handing Delhi Capitals a convincing 40-run victory to conclude their IPL 2026 season.

Talking Points: KL Rahul played a terrific innings

Delhi Capitals opener KL Rahul once again showcased his class with a brilliant innings under pressure at Eden Gardens.

With wickets falling regularly at the other end, Rahul took complete responsibility of holding the innings together while maintaining an aggressive approach throughout his stay at the crease. The stylish right-hander smashed 60 runs from just 30 deliveries, attacking the Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers. Rahul also finished the IPL 2026 season on an impressive note, scoring 593 runs in 14 innings at an excellent average of 45.61.

Rahane proved his experience

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane showed tremendous character and experience during the chase despite his side struggling under pressure.

Leading from the front, Rahane produced a fighting innings of 63 runs from 39 balls and looked determined to keep KKR in the contest. He played elegant strokes all around the ground and dominated the Delhi bowlers for most of his stay at the crease.

DC signed off with a win

Delhi Capitals ended their IPL 2026 campaign on a positive note with a convincing 40-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the final league match of the season. The victory helped Delhi Capitals finish sixth in the points table with 14 points, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot after an inconsistent season.

Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, ended their campaign in seventh place with 13 points.

Who said what? Ajinkya Rahane, Kolkata Knight Riders (Losing Captain)

(on his innings and the season overall) Yeah, I mean, the wicket was a little tricky at the start. I was batting really well and knew one batter had to go through, so I tried to take my chances. I was actually looking to target strike rotation as well. Talking about the kind of season we had, I’m really proud of each and every one. The situation we were in after six games and then from there coming back, keeping the league alive and playing that kind of cricket needed character, a good attitude and resilience. I’m really proud of each and every individual. (on the positives from the second half of the season) Absolutely, there are a lot of positives. In the first half of the season there were key moments where we were losing out, but after that, coming back from there is never easy. IPL is a long tournament with a lot of pressure and high-pressure situations. But again, staying strong, having that character and attitude in every game and trying your best for the team - inside the dressing room we all were really happy. As I said, every individual put in that effort by going out there. This season didn’t go our way and we didn’t qualify, which is disappointing, but I’m really proud of everyone and the kind of effort we put in. (on what happens after the IPL season ends) I think at the moment the guys have their commitments. We’ll just go off to our homes, probably take some time off and then obviously we’ll probably connect over calls or Zoom and have discussions moving forward. (on his personal plans after the season) For me, just a couple of days off. I’m going to play my local league in Mumbai, which I’m really looking forward to. I’m happy as long as I’m playing cricket. So yes, a couple of days off and then back to cricket.

Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals (Winning Captain)

The way we played the last three matches, I'm very proud. We saw the effort right till the last match. First we need to accept our mistakes. It's a matter of one match. We played well most of the time. It was important to catch that momentum. It's a high-pressure tournament. At the end of the day, if you're in a good frame of mind, then you can take the wrong decision. It's important to stay calm. I give myself time if I feel frustrated. I feel SRH look the strongest. When their top three makes runs, they look so good.

Kuldeep Yadav, Player of the Match

I wasn't happy before this match because the way we wanted as a team, we didn't finish. I didn't have a great season. I was expecting more from myself. After the last game, I went back home and worked with my coach. I played one game over there. There are small things which you forget very quickly. I thought I was bowling a bit more open-chested. Sometimes you're not using your full body. That's where T20 batters are strong. It was a lovely game for me coming back from the last game. I was very clear with my plan. I saw the wicket in the first innings; it was a bit slow... The wicket of Rinku was the perfect example. It was a good ball to get him out. It happens [drop catch off the hat-trick ball]! The way I bowled, I'm pleased. When I spoke to my coach, he was very straightforward. He said you need to spin the ball; try to deceive the batter. When you spin the ball, there's chance of getting the batter out.