The atmosphere at Eden Gardens was nothing short of electric as it was on Sunday evening Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosted Rajasthan Royals (RR) In his 28th match IPL 2026 season. In a match that swung like a pendulum, KKR won by 4 wickets with 2 balls to spare and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. It was ice-cold as the bowlers set the scene Rinku Singh and an explosive cameo Anukul Roy This infuriated the Kolkata faithful.
A disciplined KKR restrict RR to a modest total in the first innings
Winning the toss and preferring the trophy, Ajinkya Rahane‘s KKR RR faced an early onslaught from the openers. Young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi Looked dangerous hitting 46 off 28 balls including four boundaries and two powerful sixes. Next to it Yashasvi Jaiswal (29 off 39), RR reach 63/0 in Powerplay. 81/0 in the 9th over, a total of 190 north looked inevitable.
However, KKR’s introduction of Spin Twins brought the scoring rate down completely. Varun Chakraborty produced a masterclass in mystery bowling, finishing with stunning figures of 3/14 in 4 overs. He fired Suryavanshi and dangerous, leading to a downfall Dhruv Jurel in rapid succession.
Sunil Narine Taking 2/26 provided the perfect cushion from the other end. RR’s middle order collapsed under the pressure of dot balls; Rian Parag (12) and Shimron Hetmyer (15) could not find a fence. Karthik Tyagi cleared the tail with a three-wicket haul in the death overs. From a position of absolute strength, Rajasthan were restricted to a modest 155/9, managing just 55 runs in the last 10 overs.
Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy lead KKR to a thrilling win against T RR in IPL 2026
The pursuit began disastrously for the Purple Men. Jofra Archer Tim Seifert was dismissed for a golden duck in the first ball and skipper Rahane followed shortly after for a duck. When Ravindra Jadeja Angkrish Raghuvanshi (10) and Rovman Powell (23) snared in their own net, finishing with 2/8 as KKR were reduced to 85/6 in 13.3 overs.
With 71 runs required off the last 39 balls and only the bowlers left to watch, Rajasthan Royals looked definite favourites. But Rinku Singhthe designated finisher of this generation had other plans. Rinku anchored the innings with 53 off 34 balls, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes.
The turning point was the 7th wicket partnership between Rinku and Anukul Roy. Playing the role of the aggressor, Anukul made a cameo century, blasting 29 off just 16 deliveries. The pair went on to score 76 runs unbeaten in record time. Needing 6 runs in the final over, Rinku displayed his trademark calmness Brijesh Sharma Through the gaps to seal victory at 161/6.
Also WATCH: Ramandeep Singh took a sensational catch to remove Vaibhav Suryavansh during the KKR vs RR match
Here’s how the fans reacted:
First victory atlas !!!! What a performance by Rinku Singh and Anukul !! Pure class and responsive hitting.way to go.@IPL @KKRiders #iplclicks #ipl2026 schedule #kkrvsrr
— Shubham (@Shubham62613585) April 19, 2026
🚨 HALF A CENTURY 🚨
Rinku Singh ends it in style 💥🔥
In the end you need 9…
4️⃣, 4️⃣, dot, 6️⃣ — DONE! 🚀The winning throw turns fifty: 53 (34)* 💪
The clutch knock vs RR that powered KKR to their first win in IPL 2026 🏏💥#RinkuSingh #ipl2026 #KKRvRR pic.twitter.com/kpf1Ly2mqA
– Cricket Addiction (@CricketAdd1ct) April 19, 2026
WHAT RINKU SINGH THINKS:
Before the match his bat was muted and out of form but today when he got a chance he scored 53*(33). pic.twitter.com/d90Ix3Arqj
— Tejas Agarwal (@tejasagarwal197) April 19, 2026
Rinku Singh finally comes to the party. Brilliant shot by him. Anukul Roy’s innings against Jofra against a perfect yorker was classy.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 19, 2026
I told Rinku Singh that he would do a great job today and he did.
Rinku Singh scored his first fifty today.Kolkata Knight Riders first win today.#KKRvsRR pic.twitter.com/kITDNZW5DG
— Dr. Gulzar’s Diary. 🏔️🌿 (@drx_gulzar) April 19, 2026
Phew finally and sorry for the gaali galoch…. @KKRiders
Special thanks to Varun Chakravarty, Sunil Narine, Kartik Tyagi, Rinku Singh and Anukol Roy… And sorry to doubt you 😐☹️#KKRvsRR pic.twitter.com/rQnBAtoh5G
— Name (@iName055) April 19, 2026
FIRST WIN FOR Kolkata Knight Riders 🔥💜
The wait is finally over 👏
Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy are the heroes of the night 💥#KKRvsRR #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/YfhLQTx88U— Himanshi Budhwar (@Himansh27730) April 19, 2026
UFFFFFF. Finally RICH Rinku Singh faced KKR. The worst losing streak of 8 matches remains with Mumbai Indians. Izzat see the boat. We’re back to Purple Force 💜🤩 pic.twitter.com/jRzoVIddK8
— Waqar Ahmed Afridi (@RealWaqarAfridi) April 19, 2026
FIRST WIN FOR KOLKATA BEAST RIDERS IN IPL 2026 🔥💜
Wait KKR fans! 🙌
Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy are the heroes ⭐🔥
KKR finally on the board 🚀#KKRvsRR #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/abwhI1FjAz
— Cricholic (@Cricholic340626) April 19, 2026
Rinku Singh – 53*(34).
Ankul Roy – 29*(16).WHAT A FINISH THESE TWO WIN THE GAME FOR KKR. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/0wcC5KSLjp
— Nafees (@Nafees_22) April 19, 2026
First win of the season for KKR ⚡#cricket #KKRvsRR #KKR #IPL2026 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/rw5BHa2Rsi
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 19, 2026
Also WATCH: Jofra Archer smashes Tim Seifert’s stumps with absolute gusto on a golden duck during the KKR vs RR contest.
