70th encounter 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season ended with a sensational display of cricketing supremacy at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In the final league game of the tournament on Sunday, Delhi Capitals (DC) silenced a passionate Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) the home crowd cruised to a 40-run victory. Capitalizing on a quick start and a spin bowling masterclass, Delhi successfully defended a huge total, leaving KKR’s batting line-up completely unanswered in their chase.
KL Rahul’s clinical start propels DC to a competitive result against KKR
Opting to assert early dominance on the Eden Gardens surface, Delhi Capitals posted a massive 203/5 in the allotted 20 overs. The foundation of this mountain of runs was laid by the wicketkeeper-batsman KL RahulAt the top of the order, he played a breathtaking, clinical strike. Rahul took full responsibility after opening partner Abishek Porel He left for 22.
Showing an aggressive yet calculated approach, Rahul consistently took advantage of loopholes in powerplays to get to a half-century off just 25 deliveries. He eventually smashed a blistering 30 to 60, peppered with five fours and four powerful sixes, hitting an explosive 200.00.
Rahul found able partners Beach Parax (24 off 17) and captain Akhar PatelAn important contributor to 39 out of 25 balls. Although Saurabh DubeyBest efforts for KKR with the ball (2/28), David Miller‘s quickfire 28 and Ashutosh Sharma‘s unbeaten 18-run cameo took Delhi past the psychological 200-run milestone.
Kuldeep Yadav dismantled the KKR batting line-up sealing the victory in the last league game
Chasing a steep target of 204 runs, Kolkata Knight Riders started with intent. captain Ajinkya Rahane Defying his critics with a magnificent 63 off 39 balls, seven boundaries and four sixes, he closed the innings beautifully. However, Rahane did not have steady support from the opposite side Good luck (3/27) shipping, cracked through top order Find Allen (20) and Manish Pandey (25) return to shelter.
The real turning point came when Delhi introduced a left-arm wrist spinner. Kuldeep YadavAs an Impact Player. Kuldeep completely destroyed KKR’s middle and lower order with a magical spell of 3/29 in four overs.
He overcame the dangerous first Cameron Green for just 2, before hitting a double in the 14th over. Kuldeep dropped a well-set Rahane who was caught safely by David Miller and followed up on the next delivery, removing the dangerous one. Rinku Singh for the golden duck.
From 128/3, KKR are in absolute shambles. Akhar Patel called clean bowling Tejaswi Dahiyaand Mitchell Starc quickly wiped the tail with a double door blast. KKR were eventually bundled out for 163 in 18.4 overs. A brilliant combination of Rahul’s early fireworks and Kuldeep’s spin net ensured that Delhi Capitals finished the league stage on an absolute high.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Delhi Capitals end their campaign with a brilliant win over KKR 🔥#KKRvsDC #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/6BFXpFscci
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 24, 2026
A solid win by DC.
Delhi Capitals are a good team, I don’t think much should change next season. Just play with a better combination
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 24, 2026
FEEL FOR KL RAHUL 💔
– Every time he gives 500 or 600 run season but he is yet to play an IPL final in last 10 years, I hope he gets that glory soon. pic.twitter.com/B19Kt1xFGK
– Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 24, 2026
ANOTHER SEASON FOR KL RAHUL.
– 593 runs at an average of 44.42 at a strike rate of 174.41. KL did his best for the franchise, unfortunately missed the majors. 💔 pic.twitter.com/4jp5PGilG8
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 24, 2026
🚨 Meet the underrated cricketer KL Rahul 🚨
Watch his IPL 2026 performance, your eyes will be opened.
– Shots – 14
– Total runs: 593
– Highest score: 152*
– Average: 45.61
– Strike rate – 176.3
– Fifty – 6
– No – 1
– POTM – 1
– Best Shots: 152* vs. PBKS– He broke… pic.twitter.com/lEfJcf2ylX
— Manzur Shaban (@Manzurshaban123) May 24, 2026
No one can play Sunil Narine better than KL Rahul 🥵 pic.twitter.com/8kF8HsiLtG
— s. (@KLfied_) May 24, 2026
Thank you so much KL Rahul ❤️
Best buy DC was this cycle. I know you will come back next season and score 600 runs again. It’s that simple for you. I hope you keep scoring and DC wins the cup. And I really hope you retire from IPL with Delhi Capitals only. https://t.co/UgoH0BgkPS
— SAKETH ᵀʰᵉ ᴾᵃʳᵃᵈⁱˢᵉ (@SakethR87568651) May 24, 2026
KL Rahul- 174 Strike Rate + 593 Runs This IPL Season After Playing All Snakes 🐍 🙄
None of them even crossed 300 runs 👀
This shows How Big, awesome and consistent our KL is…. Not Dc and KL Fans? pic.twitter.com/zea5zGfVXe
— KL Rahul 💙 (@gur_otal64994) May 24, 2026
Salvation Kuldeep Yadav pic.twitter.com/5yYjUl1Kbq
— Abxd (@ABXD_DC) May 24, 2026
Kuldeep Yadav looked very angry with Abhishek Porel after he let go of his grip on the hat-trick ball😡😡. 😬😬#KKRvsDC pic.twitter.com/e6cB9lwaSp
– Indian Cricket (@IPL2025Auction) May 24, 2026
Kuldeep Yadav was just one wicket short of a hat-trick but Abhishek Porel missed the catch and the big moment slipped away. 😡😡 A special moment ended in disappointment.#KuldeepYadav #KKRvsDC pic.twitter.com/IvB8YsCBgo
— Faruk (@uf2151593) May 24, 2026
Kuldeep Yadav Late but forgiven ❤️pic.twitter.com/8ZFWKjVlKf
— ADA SHARE (@ada_share) May 24, 2026
Kuldeep yadav hate kkr so much and always speak against them😭 pic.twitter.com/K4QcgoTHAX
— Abxd (@ABXD_DC) May 24, 2026
Also READ: Rajasthan Royals take a cheeky dig at Punjab Kings after sealing IPL 2026 playoff berth
