Kolkata Knight Riders snapped their IPL 2026 losing run with a nail-biting four-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals, and vice-captain Rinku Singh made it clear that the swing in the contest arrived with a slice of luck. A simple chance was missed early in his innings, and that reprieve snowballed into a match-defining, unbeaten 53 as KKR negotiated a tense chase that went all the way to the final over.
Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 53 and the missed chance
KKR’s chase demanded composure as pressure and confusion crept in at different stages. Rinku’s knock provided the stabilising force, and he attributed the turning point to an early dropped opportunity that changed the tone of the innings.
- Rinku was given a lifeline when a catch was dropped off the bowling of Nandre Burger on eight.
- He capitalised on that moment to remain unbeaten on 53.
- The chase ultimately ended with KKR winning by four wickets, with the result sealed in the final over.
“Luck mattered” — Rinku on mindset under pressure
Speaking candidly about how circumstances can swing quickly in T20 cricket, Rinku said the missed chance and the broader run of events helped him stay locked in rather than second-guessing his decision-making.
He explained that when a few things do not fall your way, intensity can rise, but it does not necessarily mean hesitation at the crease. His plan, he said, was straightforward: keep the innings moving deep into the chase because the match context was tricky.
- He said he was not hesitant or uncertain about taking his shots.
- He described a clear mindset of carrying the game “till the end”.
- He added that discussions with the coach and his batting partner shaped the approach, with the intention to go deep given the situation.
Rinku also reflected on the exact moment that shifted momentum in KKR’s favour, acknowledging that the mind can sometimes falter during high-pressure exchanges. In this instance, he said luck went his way and KKR finished the job.
Confidence, batting flexibility and KKR’s first win
For Rinku, the innings carried extra personal significance. He noted that he had played multiple knocks prior and was waiting for a breakthrough that would give him both momentum and belief.
- He said the innings was important for his confidence.
- He described it as a very good knock coming at the right time personally.
With KKR needing him at various phases, Rinku stressed that his role is not tied to one fixed batting position. Whether the team asks him to bat at five, lower down, or even at four, he is ready to adapt to whatever the situation demands.
- He said there is “nothing like a fixed position” for him.
- He stated he can bat at number five, lower in the order, or at number four depending on team requirements.
Rinku also pointed to the emotional value of the result, calling it KKR’s first win of the season and something that should build confidence moving forward.
- He said the victory will bring a lot of confidence because it is KKR’s first win of the campaign.
- He added that the side will look to carry this momentum ahead.
Rahane on the breakthrough; Parag on chances and death-overs execution
The win matters even more when viewed against KKR’s earlier struggles, where the side had suffered repeated collapses during the tournament. KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane described the outcome as an emotional breakthrough after a difficult start, and he credited both Rinku and the bowling group for holding their nerve under pressure.
- Rahane called the win an emotional breakthrough following a tough start to the season.
- He praised Rinku and the bowling unit for managing pressure effectively.
For Rajasthan Royals, the match slipped away due to missed opportunities. Riyan Parag highlighted that KKR punished dropped chances—specifically the catch that allowed Rinku to gain his lifeline—and he also pointed to execution issues during the death overs.
- Parag said they cannot afford to drop catches because it cost them the game.
- He also cited execution problems in the final overs as a factor in the loss.
KKR vs RR in IPL 2026 delivered a dramatic finish, with Rinku’s unbeaten 53 and a crucial early reprieve steering the hosts away from danger and into their first win of the season.
