KKR vs RR

That is that from what was a nail-biter in Kolkata. This was just the first match of the double-header though, we have PBKS batting first against LSG in Mullanpur and that match has already begun. Hop tabs to follow the live action, for now this is Sourabh Agrawal signing off on behalf of Pradeep and the rest of team here. Cheers!

Varun Chakaravarthy is the Player of the Match! Here's what he has to say: "(On his performance and team effort) It feels great to contribute, but I have to credit the coaching staff and the entire team. It’s been a tough few weeks with results not going our way and a lot of external noise, but the coaches ensured we stayed focused on our process. This win is special for all of us.(On his improvement and injury management) There hasn’t been anything drastic in terms of changes—it’s more about adapting to the conditions. Some surfaces haven’t offered much turn, and early in the tournament, I was dealing with injuries. I’m still managing two fractures in my left hand, so it hasn’t been easy, but I’m just trying to push through.(On the pitch and match conditions) The surface was a bit on the slower side, which suited us. We were able to make good use of those conditions, although we could have done slightly better with the bat in the middle overs.(On the team’s outlook for the tournament) We don’t know where we’ll finish yet, but we’re here to compete and win, not just participate. This win sends a strong message that we’re still in the fight, and we’re confident of building on this momentum going forward."

Ajinkya Rahane [Kolkata Knight Riders captain]: "(On the team’s first win of the season) It feels really good to finally get that first win. There were a lot of emotions through the game, but overall, it’s a very satisfying result. I’m especially happy for Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, and Varun Chakravarthy. Varun has bounced back brilliantly in the last few games, and Rinku showed great character to finish the match after a tough phase. Anukul also stepped up with confidence and played a crucial role in that partnership.(On supporting players through tough phases) We’ve had plenty of conversations, mostly one-on-one, both among players and with the coaching staff. It’s about keeping things simple, understanding the situation, and not overthinking. This win should give us confidence, especially since our bowling unit has been coming together really well over the last few games.(On Kartik Tyagi’s performance) He’s been outstanding. From the practice games, he’s shown great clarity about his role and how he wants to execute his plans. For a young fast bowler to deliver in tough overs, including the death, and with that kind of pace and confidence, is very encouraging.(On the batting performance and lessons)  There’s still a lot to improve with the bat. We’ve struggled in the powerplay, and that’s something we need to address. On pitches like this, it’s not just about big shots—rotating strike and building partnerships are equally important. Taking the game deep was key today, and that partnership made the difference, but we need to be more consistent as a batting unit.(On the team environment and fan support) The dressing room atmosphere has been excellent, and the players’ attitude has been very positive. This win is for the fans—they’ve supported us strongly even during tough results. The energy they bring to the stadium is incredible, and we’re grateful for that backing."

Rinku Singh [Kolkata Knight Riders]: "(On his batting approach and intent) Thank you so much. There wasn’t anything unusual in my approach—it’s just that when a few dot balls build up, there’s a natural urge to break the pressure. The plan was clear: take the innings deep. I had spoken to the coach and my batting partner, and the idea was to stay till the end and finish the game.(On the risky shot and dropped catch) Sometimes, when things don’t go exactly as planned, you end up playing a shot you might not have intended. Fortunately, the catch was dropped, and things went our way. On some days, you feel like it’s your moment, and today felt like one of those days.(On the importance of the innings for confidence) It had been a while since I played a substantial innings, so this one was really important for me. It gives a lot of confidence and reassurance moving forward.(On his batting position and role) I’m flexible with my batting position. I can bat at No. 4, No. 5, or even lower—it’s about adapting to what the team needs and contributing in that role.(On the impact of the win) This win means a lot for the team. It’s our first of the season, and it will give us a big boost in confidence. Hopefully, we can carry this momentum forward from here.

Riyan Parag [Rajasthan Royals captain]: "(On the narrow defeat and overall performance) We felt early on that it was around a 170 pitch, so we were probably 10–15 runs short. That said, the way the bowlers pulled things back was outstanding—it was our game to win. But we made a few basic errors, like dropping catches and missing our lines, and those moments cost us.(On bowling decisions and use of spin) There was significant assistance for the spinners, so I felt it was important to lean on them. At times, those decisions worked well, but a few small mistakes in execution made the difference in the end.(On managing the death overs) The plan around the death overs was always in place. There were moments where we could have gone differently depending on match-ups, but overall, we backed our bowlers and almost got the breakthroughs we needed.(On batting approach and middle-order performance) I don’t see it as a concern. The middle order followed the plan—taking a bit of time and then looking to accelerate at the end. It didn’t come off tonight, but the intent and approach were right. It’s about minimizing those small errors and putting together a complete performance.(On backing young players) I have full faith in every player in this team. When you give them responsibility, they step up. The young bowlers showed good character, and with more exposure in tough situations, they’ll only get better.

7:18 PM local time and IST: MATCH SUMMARY

Kolkata Knight Riders (161/6 in 19.4 overs) beat Rajasthan Royals (155/9 in 20 overs) by 4 wickets

Rinku Singh 53*(34) | Varun Chakaravarthy 3/14(3)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 46(28) | Ravindra Jadeja 2/8(3)

Rinku Singh and last-over finishes, a match made in heaven! That is it, that is the story. Immense relief in the KKR dugout, you can see how much this means to them. Winless in the first 6 games, KKR finally have a win to show for three weeks after the tournament began

Was Nandre Burger the culprit? He dropped Rinku Singh when he was just on 8 and look what he has done. RR will know that they had this in the bag having reduced KKR to 85/6 in the 14th over, KKR needed something special and that is exactly what this 76-run unbeaten partnership between Rinku Singh and Ankul Roy produced

Archer started off with a first-ball wicket for the third successive time cleaning up Seifert, RR got exactly what they wanted and then Burger followed it up with another wicket in the next over as both the KKR openers departed for a duck. Green looked fluent till the time he was there, made 27 in quick time before a miraculous stumping to put an end to his innings

Spin took control for RR in the middle overs, Jadeja was brilliant with his 2/8 in 3 overs and the 19-year old debutant Yash Raj Punja bowled a brilliant spell too finishing with 1/25. Bishnoi was good largely but his final over which went for 19 proved to be costly as Rinku and Anukul took him to the cleaners

KKR finally open their account and lift off the bottom of the points table getting up to number 9 and that makes it back-to-back defeats for RR who started with 4 wins in a row, they will remain third on the log

19.4 Brijesh Sharma to Rinku Singh, SIX! THAT'S IT! KKR WIN THEIR FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON, FINALLY! Rinku finishes the game in style and picks up his FIFTY too with that. Banged in short down the leg-side, Rinku swivels and pulled it all the way over fine-leg for a maximum. Burger's dropped catch proved costly in the end for RR!

19.3 Brijesh Sharma to Rinku Singh, OH! Length delivery on the leg-stump, Rinku swings and misses. Roy hares half-way down the wicket and was sent back.

19.2 Brijesh Sharma to Rinku Singh, FOUR MORE! Rinku's doing it for KKR. Brijesh misses his length this time, outside the off-stump and Rinku belted it over extra-cover, one bounce into the ropes. SCORES ARE LEVEL! 

19.1 Brijesh Sharma to Rinku Singh, FOUR! Boundary to start the over, poor line from Brijesh and pays the price. Slower one, but Brijesh straying it down the leg-side. Rinku gets inside the line and swipes it past the man at short fine-leg for a boundary.

That is an ideal result for KKR, 2 off the last ball and they need 9 off the final over, we are going down to the wire. Who is going to bowl it? Big call for Riyan Parag