Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings: Rain Disrupts IPL 2026 Match

The IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings faced significant interruptions due to heavy rain in Kolkata. KKR, struggling for a win, lost key players early in the game. With the rain affecting play, both teams are hoping for at least a five-over match to determine a result. The absence of Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine adds to KKR's challenges as they seek their first victory of the season. Read on for more details about the match and team updates.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 22:03 IST

Match Overview

In Kolkata, heavy rainfall interrupted the 12th match of IPL 2026 between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens. The weather forecast indicated a high likelihood of rain in the evening. Despite this, the match commenced on schedule at 7:30 PM IST. KKR won the toss and chose to bat first, even with the looming rain forecast. Unfortunately, the home team had a rocky start, losing key players Finn Allen and Cameron Green early, leaving them at 25/2 after just 3.4 overs when the rain intensified, prompting the ground staff to cover the pitch.

After a brief pause in the rain, the groundsmen began to remove the covers, but the rain returned, forcing them to secure the covers once again. Both teams are hoping for at least a five-over match to determine a result. The cut-off time for this is set for 11:14 PM IST. If play does not resume by then, both teams will receive one point each.

KKR is in urgent need of a victory, having lost both of their previous matches. They began their season with a defeat against the Mumbai Indians and followed it up with another loss to the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In contrast, PBKS started their IPL 2026 campaign with a win against the same team and continued their success by defeating the Chennai Super Kings in their second match, successfully chasing down a target of 210 runs in just 18.4 overs.

Following the KKR match, PBKS will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad in an afternoon game on Sunday, April 11, while KKR is set to host the Lucknow Super Giants on April 9.

Absences in KKR Squad

No Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine for KKR

KKR is missing key players Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine for this match. Chakaravarthy is sidelined due to a finger injury sustained during the previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Narine is unwell and unable to participate. Ajinkya Rahane commented on the situation, stating, "We will think about that (on opening with Sunil Narine). Two changes, forced changes. Varun Chakaravarthy unfortunately got injured taking a catch in the last game and Sunil Narine is sick. Powell and Saini are in."