NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders finally got their IPL 2026 campaign moving, earning their first point after their match versus Punjab Kings was abandoned at Eden Gardens on Monday. The contest ended without a result after just 22 balls had been bowled, with relentless rain and a damp outfield leaving the umpires with no choice but to call it off. KKR, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, shared the points with Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings.
The abandoned game propelled Punjab Kings to the summit of the IPL 2026 points table. They are currently placed No. 1, collecting five points from three matches, including two victories and one no result so far this season.
For KKR, while the match was washed out, the point at least provided a breakthrough after a difficult start to their league campaign. Rahane, who won the toss, chose to bat first, but the early phase did not go as planned. Australian quick Xavier Bartlett made an impact in the second over, striking twice in close succession to dismiss Finn Allen for 6 and Cameron Green for 4, leaving the side struggling at 16 for two.
Rahane finished the initial overs on 8 not out, alongside wicketkeeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi on 7 not out, as the pair attempted to stabilise the innings. However, rain interrupted proceedings when KKR reached 25 for two after 3.4 overs, and with the playing conditions failing to improve and the outfield still wet, the match was ultimately abandoned.
Looking ahead, Punjab Kings are scheduled to play Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11. KKR, meanwhile, are set to take on Lucknow Super Giants on April 9.
