Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are still searching for traction in IPL 2026 after a disastrous start that has seen them lose their first two matches. On Monday, the three-time champions began their clash against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in the same struggling manner, losing Finn Allen and Cameron Green for low scores after choosing to bat first on an overcast day. The call to bat first quickly drew criticism, with former players including Kevin Pietersen, Anil Kumble, Saba Karim and Ravichandran Ashwin among those questioning the decision.
Key takeaways
- KKR have lost their opening two IPL 2026 matches and entered the Punjab Kings game on the back of that slide.
- Finn Allen and Cameron Green departed cheaply after KKR opted to bat at Eden Gardens.
- The match was disrupted by rain, with the first stoppage coming when KKR were 25/2 after 3.4 overs.
- During the rain break, cameras showed KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan speaking intensely with CEO Venky Mysore.
- KKR made changes for the fixture, bringing in Rovman Powell and Navdeep Saini, while Punjab Kings kept their XI unchanged.
- Workload management and a clearance from Cricket Australia remain part of the reason Cameron Green has not yet bowled in the tournament.
Rain interruption and a visible SRK-Mysore conversation
Under overcast skies, KKR’s decision to bat first initially raised eyebrows, and the early setbacks made the situation tougher. Rain then intervened, with the first break arriving after 3.4 overs as the team slipped to 25/2. Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi were at the crease when play paused.
During the stoppage, broadcast cameras repeatedly caught KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan in an intense conversation with the franchise’s CEO, Venky Mysore. Mysore appeared to be listening closely and nodding as SRK made his points, and there were also clear hand gestures visible from the Bollywood superstar. This was SRK’s first appearance at an IPL 2026 game featuring KKR.
SRK attended the KKR versus Punjab Kings match with his manager, Pooja Dadlani, and daughter Suhana Khan. Throughout the rain break, the coverage stayed focused on SRK as he continued to talk with Mysore, while Suhana watched from close by. A host on the rain-break show commented that it appeared to be a similar type of conversation—highlighting SRK as KKR’s owner and describing the interaction with Venky Mysore as an “intense chat.”
Team news: KKR reshuffle, Punjab unchanged
For the Punjab Kings match, KKR adjusted their XI because both Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy were unavailable. The franchise drafted in Rovman Powell and Navdeep Saini to replace them in the playing group.
Punjab Kings, in contrast, made no alterations at all, naming the same lineup they had used in their previous fixture.
KKR’s IPL 2026 context and Cameron Green’s bowling delay
KKR’s season story so far has already included defeats in their first two outings—first against Mumbai Indians and then against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Much of the attention surrounding the 19th edition has been tied to when Cameron Green will get an opportunity to bowl for KKR.
The Australian all-rounder was acquired for INR 25.20 crore during the auction, but he has not bowled in the competition yet. Cricket Australia clearance is still awaited as Green manages his workload. Even so, KKR’s internal planning indicates that the 26-year-old has been working on his bowling in the nets, and the team management expects him to start bowling soon for the franchise.
