Delhi Capitals (DC) they finished IPL 2026 A strong campaign with an impressive 40 run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. Although Delhi’s batting unit posted just 203/5, it was the spinners Kuldeep Yadav who completely changed the pace with an excellent spell in the second innings.
The left-arm wrist spinner made a comeback after missing the last few matches and immediately reminded everyone of his match-winning abilities. However, the biggest talking point of his spell came during a dramatic hat-trick opportunity that ended in heartbreak.
Kuldeep Yadav denied a hat-trick after his catch
Kuldeep had already put pressure on KKR after his dismissal Cameron Green and well built Ajinkya Rahane in rapid succession. The next ball saw him trapped Rinku Singh for a golden duck, putting the spinner on an instant hat-trick. With the whole stadium waiting for a special moment, Kuldeep bowled another teasing ball Tejaswi Dahiya. The delivery found the outside edge and flew straight to the keeper Abishek Porel behind the stumps.
However, Porel failed to save a relatively simple chance, denying Kuldeep a memorable IPL hat-trick. The spinner’s immediate reaction quickly went viral as he looked visibly disappointed and frustrated after seeing his opportunity slip away.
We present the video:
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 24, 2026
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Kuldeep’s spell overturns KKR’s chase
Despite missing out on the hat-trick, Kuldeep still finished with outstanding figures of 3/29 in four overs and was instrumental in KKR’s collapse. early in the evening KL Rahul while the captain powered Delhi Capitals with a blistering 60 off just 30 balls Akhar Patel He added a quick-fire 39 to help DC post a big total.
KKR initially stayed in the chase thanks to Rahane’s aggressive half-century, but Kuldeep’s double strike completely changed the complexion of the match. Delhi eventually bowled out KKR for 163 to seal a dominant victory in the last game of the season. Kuldeep was later named Man of the Match for his brilliant performance and admitted after the game that he was pleased to finish the campaign strongly despite an overall inconsistent season.
