Kolkata Knight Riders they have failed miserably IPL 2026 after landing on his campaign Royal Challengers Bengaluru By six wickets in Raipur on Tuesday night. The defeat snapped KKR’s impressive four-match winning streak and ended their playoff hopes by the slimmest of margins. Although the damage affects their momentum badly, Ajinkya Rahane-The leading side is still mathematically alive in the race for the top four.
The clash at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium started after a 75-minute delay due to a wet pitch, though the match ended without any abatement. RCB took full advantage of the conditions and produced a clinical performance led by a sensational century Virat Kohli.
Angrish Raghuvanshi shines in KKR’s competitive total
After claiming to bat first, KKR endured a shaky start like both Find Allen and captain Rahane left from inside the power play. With early pressure mount, young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi he walked with maturity beyond his years. He put together a valuable 68-run partnership with the talented right-hander Cameron Green to stabilize shots. Green scored a useful 32 before falling in the deciding stage, but Raghuvanshi continued to close the innings confidently.
Later on, Rinku Singh He provided the final touch with an unbeaten 49, sharing a 76-run stand with Raghuvanshi for the fourth wicket. Raghuvanshi finished with a classy 71 off 46 deliveries as KKR posted a fighting total of 192/4 in 20 overs. Despite the strong finish, KKR may feel they are still 10-15 runs short on a batting-friendly surface.
Virat Kohli’s masterclass stuns KKR
In reply, RCB looked subdued from the start of the chase. Once Kohli settled in, the result was rarely in doubt. The veteran player produced one of the best knocks of the season and smashed an unbeaten 105 off just 60 balls to register his 9th IPL century.
Kohli’s shots combined control, aggression and experience, with boundaries flowing effortlessly all over the ground. He also shared an important partnership with 92 Devdutt Padikkalthis completely swung the momentum in Bengaluru’s favour. KKR’s bowlers struggled to maintain their scoring rate and failed to pick wickets regularly. RCB eventually chased down the target with five balls to spare, strengthening their grip on the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 16 points.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli breaks duck streak with animated celebration during RCB vs KKR clash in IPL 2026
How can KKR still qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs?
Although the defeat leaves KKR in a tough spot, their campaign is far from over. Kolkata are currently sitting on nine points from 11 matches in the early season against Punjab Kings with four wins, six losses and one draw. This washed out match could now be extremely important in the playoff race.
For KKR to qualify, they will likely have to win all their remaining league games. Doing so will net them 15 points. However, even this cannot guarantee qualification as their net momentum remains negative. KKR will need favorable results from other teams as well, especially with the likes of Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings hoping to finish with 14 points or less. The equation is difficult, but not impossible. With three games still to play, Kolkata’s playoff dream is alive – just barely.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans go wild as RCB beat KKR courtesy Virat Kohli’s stunning century.
