Mohsin Khan’s spell of five wickets sparked a match that swung back and forth, but Lucknow Super Giants ultimately had to settle for heartbreak as Kolkata Knight Riders won a thriller through a Super Over in the IPL 2026 clash on Sunday. In a contest defined by momentum changes and a tense finish, Mohsin delivered a match-shaping spell of 4-1-23-5—the first five-wicket haul of the season—before KKR rallied to force a tie and then edged the decider.
Mohsin’s impact turns the tide
- Mohsin Khan took 4-1-23-5, including the first five-for of the IPL 2026 season.
- He struck early with a wicket maiden and then struck again in the powerplay.
- KKR’s position slipped to 73/6 when Mohsin completed his spell.
- Cameron Green made 34 off 21 balls, including a quick burst before being dismissed.
- LSG couldn’t seal the win as KKR forced a tie and won the Super Over.
The left-arm pacer set the tone immediately, starting with a maiden that brought a breakthrough, and then added another wicket during the early overs. As the innings progressed, he kept finding ways past the batters with regular strikes, building pressure at every stage and making KKR’s chase feel increasingly uncomfortable.
One of the key moments came when he removed Cameron Green, who had struck quickly for 34 off 21 balls. By the time Mohsin had wrapped up his spell, the situation for KKR had worsened to 73 for 6, leaving them chasing momentum as well as runs.
Mohsin’s effectiveness wasn’t limited to the early phase. His return in the middle overs proved equally important, as he attacked during a high-risk period and claimed two crucial wickets to prevent any meaningful recovery. The message was clear: even when KKR tried to steady the chase, Mohsin ensured the pressure stayed firmly on.
Special praise for a disciplined craft
Former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite highlighted Mohsin’s disciplined yet assertive approach, praising how he used a tight length and attacked when the opportunity appeared. He described the plan as enjoying a kind of fast-bowling “metronomic” consistency, adding that when Mohsin went short, he made batters pay by hammering the surface.
Brathwaite also pointed to the way bowlers can sometimes get by simply landing the ball on a good length for batters to manage—yet stressed that Mohsin was more than content to punish that area when conditions allowed. In his view, the combination of control and aggression was what made the spell stand out.
The performance also underlined Mohsin’s strong comeback after injury issues had disrupted his progress. That setback had come after an impressive debut season in 2022, and Sunday’s showing suggested the left-arm seamer is returning at the right time.
Bangar on left-arm value
Sanjoy Bangar, a former India batter and batting coach, said Mohsin’s next step is to regain peak fitness and maintain his rhythm. He noted that there is a limited pool of Indian bowlers with Mohsin’s specific skillset, adding that while the country has plenty of batters, left-arm variety is not as abundant.
Bangar further explained that among the left-arm seamers available, Mohsin stands out—citing his extra bounce, his ability to hit the right length, and the weight behind his ball. He said those traits give the selectors strong reasons to keep a close eye on him.
Despite Mohsin’s brilliance, LSG were unable to convert the advantage into an outright win. KKR held their nerve in the closing stages, managed to level the contest, and then sealed victory in the Super Over.
Looking ahead, Lucknow will take on the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on May 4. Mohsin’s current form will be a major boost for the side as they look to build on the positives from this dramatic outing.
