Delhi Capitals wrapped up their IPL 2026 journey with a convincing 40-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday. The win was driven by Kuldeep Yadav, who produced a match-winning spell to become DC’s leading wicket-taker, finishing with figures of 29/3 and earning Player of the Match recognition. In the post-match presentation, Kuldeep explained that his approach was built around reading the surface early and then using variations in pace and movement to disrupt the batters’ timing. “Obviously, I was very clear with my plan. I saw early on that the wicket was a bit slow, and I was just trying to vary the pace, mix it up with scrambled seam and try to deceive the batter. The wicket of Rinku was a perfect example because I tried to slow it down through the air, and he played it straight away, so it was a good ball to get him out,” he said.
Kuldeep’s impact included key dismissals of KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, who made 63 off 39 balls, along with all-rounder Cameron Green (2 off 3). He also sent Rinku Singh back for a golden duck, further underlining how DC were able to strike at crucial moments. When asked about what has gone right across the season, Kuldeep spoke candidly about earlier frustrations and how he responded after the previous match. “I’m happy, extremely happy with whatever has gone right through the season. To be very honest, I wasn’t happy before this match because the way we wanted as a team to have a great season, we couldn’t finish in the top four. Personally, I thought I didn’t have a great season, to be very honest, because I was expecting more from myself, but I couldn’t deliver this season. But after the last game, I went back home and worked with my coach on the things I needed to improve. I played one game there and realised it was just the small things you forget very quickly, especially in white-ball cricket. To go there, work on those things and come back here and bowl like that, it was lovely to see,” he added.
Kuldeep also addressed the technical issues that had been hurting him with the ball and why the changes helped. “Speaking on what has been going wrong with my bowling, I thought I was bowling a bit more open-chested and sometimes not using my full body. What happens then is you just push the ball, and that’s where T20 batters become extremely strong to hit you down the ground and play off the back foot. Once you start using more of your body and try to spin the ball harder, ultimately you see the results. You get the dip and the drift, and obviously, you can vary the pace as well. It was lovely to see, and I think it was a lovely game for me, especially coming back from the last game,” he said.
There was also plenty of near-magic in Kuldeep’s spell, as he was at one stage close to completing a hat-trick. However, wicketkeeper Abishek Porel denied him that landmark moment with a dropped catch. On missing out, Kuldeep kept the focus on the overall performance. “It happens in the game, and I’m very happy with the performance, to be very honest. Getting a hat-trick or not is just part of the game, but the way I bowled, I’m pleased now,” he said.
DC finished sixth in the standings after securing their seventh win of the season, successfully defending 204 in their final league-stage outing. KKR ended one spot below them in seventh place, with six victories from their campaign. Chasing the target, KKR were kept on the back foot by DC’s bowling discipline after the visitors set a solid foundation with the bat.
Batting first, DC posted 203/5. The total was anchored by KL Rahul’s rapid 60, while Axar Patel contributed 39 as the innings built momentum. David Miller and Ashutosh Sharma added a late surge that helped the Capitals reach a competitive score. KKR’s bowlers took wickets along the way, but they struggled to rein in the scoring during the death overs, allowing DC to set up a defendable target.
In reply, KKR started with steady intent as Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane added 43 runs together. Rahane and Manish Pandey then carried the momentum through the powerplay, keeping the chase on track. The contest shifted sharply after Kuldeep struck twice in quick succession, removing Rahane and Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel then trapped Tejasvi Dahiya to further tighten the noose. Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi then finished the job by cleaning up the lower order, and KKR were bowled out for 163 in 18.4 overs—handing DC a comprehensive win and bringing their season to a positive close.
