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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be desperate to get their IPL 2026 campaign started when they face off against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens on Thursday. KKR, still in search of their first win after three games, comes up against a strong LSG side, compounded with the threat of rain playing its hand as there is an orange weather alert over Kolkata. The face-off forms an interesting battle between LSG’s economical bowling attack and KKR’s explosive but shaky batting order. This season, LSG have been the best bowling side in the powerplay phase with seven wickets taken in the first six overs over two matches coupled with a brilliant economy of 4.58. They’re dangerous early, which is critical in keeping an opponent on its toes. KKR’s batting, on the other hand, has been explosive but temperamental. They are intent, as evidenced by their powerplay run rate of 11.29 — the second best this season — but having lost six wickets in that phase shows their vulnerability. This assertive approach, although consistent at times in the shorter formats, has usually left their middle order vulnerable. KKR is already struggling with a depleted bowling lineup. Varun Chakravarthy, carrying an injured finger, is still not guaranteed a spot after injuries have taken a toll on other top players. While Sunil Narine is expected back after missing the last game with illness, the team’s bowling resources continue to be stretched. In their previous match, against Punjab Kings and which was washed out, KKR were already struggling with the bat at 25 for 2 before rain came. LSG, on the contrary have had a brilliant season thus far after their opening loss to Delhi Capitals. They bounced back with a comprehensive win against Sunrisers Hyderabad as their bowlers led the charge. The young pacer Prince Yadav has been a revelation, taking the most wickets of any bowler even before the end of his second match. Vertical bowling & yorker execution make him a great addition to LSG’s pace attack. Mohammed Shami has also been outstanding, especially in the powerplay. Shami has provided early breakthroughs consistently, with an economy rate of a mere 4.62 and all four of his wickets coming in the powerplays. Back on home turf in Kolkata, he will wish to provide another rocking display. It will all depend on the batting unit led by team captain Ajinkya Rahane for KKR. Rahane interestingly has a superb record against the pacer in IPL, having hit 94 runs without being dismissed by Shami. Players like Rinku Singh and Cameron Green will also need to do the heavy lifting from KKR’s perspective if they are to set or chase down a worthwhile target. LSG, on the other hand, have settled with their combination and may not ponder any changes. Now at No 3, where he was recently promoted to provide stability to the lineup, is captain Rishabh Pant, who played a match-winning half-century in the last game of these two teams. The surface at Eden Gardens is likely to be a batting-friendly one, as we’ve seen in the last few games. But that could turn on the weather conditions. There’s rain in the forecast around sunset, and the two teams already have had practice sessions disrupted by adverse conditions. With KKR hurtling through an intervention of injuries and inconsistency, and LSG buoyed with bowling strength and confidence, Thursday’s clash will make for a mouthwatering contest, if only the weather permits a full game. Read also : Jos Buttler Backs Experience to Regain Form for Gujarat Titans | KKR Elects to Bat First Against Varun & Narine, Hands Big Changes | SRH retain Livingstone and Harshal, LSG opt to chase in Hyderabad

Jos Buttler, the star England batter is optimistic that he will get his hands back on form with Gujarat Titans during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season after a slow start to the year. Buttler has endured a rough trot in 2026 by his own lofty standards. He averages only 15.27 in 11 T20 Internationals for the England cricket team albeit with a strike rate lower than 125. His IPL campaign too started on a low with scores of 38 off 33 balls against Punjab Kings and 26 off 14 balls against Rajasthan Royals. But the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter is not perturbed and backs his preparation and mindset to set things right. Buttler said that he took a little time off after the T20 World Cup and feels mentally refreshed to go back on the field at this early stage of his career while speaking in the podcast For the Love of Cricket which he co-hosted with former England pacer Stuart Broad. “I feel good actually. It was good to get away, put the bat down for a little while and come back concentrating on my setup,” Buttler said. “I’m just backing my game and experience, staying cool at the crease, and letting things happen naturally.” Buttler stressed the need to live in the moment and not over-analyze previous outings. He acknowledged that players can at times develop mental barriers against certain bowlers or venues, but he is trying to consciously fight such thoughts. “Every day you start at zero. I’m just looking forward and not thinking about the past,” he said. Encouragingly for Gujarat, Buttler’s teammate B Sai Sudharsan feels he is teetering on the edge of a big innings and is “closer than anyone else” to firing in top form. Possibly also, Buttler has been helped by the guidance he is receiving from GT’s batting coach Matthew Hayden as he brings vast experience and a simple line of thought to his team. With Gujarat Titans still eyeing their first win of the season, Buttler’s return could be key. Next up for the team is Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where Buttler will be expected to play an important role at No. 3, with captain Shubman Gill in addition to Sai Sudharsan. Read also : KKR Elects to Bat First Against Varun & Narine, Hands Big Changes | SRH retain Livingstone and Harshal, LSG opt to chase in Hyderabad | Ravi Bishnoi’s 4/41 Helps Rajasthan Royals Defeat Gujarat Titans

During the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had to put on a rather different playing XI when they battled Punjab Kings (PBKS) at home. Finally, not having two of their primary mystery spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy is an unusual event for the franchise that they last faced about in 2019. Captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed at the toss that Chakravarthy was ruled out owing to a hand injury sustained during an attempt at catching in the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad while Narine missed also due to illness. This double whammy meant that KKR was left with a rather depleted spin arsenal, as Anukul Roy became the only specialist spinner in the starting XI alongside the fact there are no extra spin options even within Impact Player subs. Despite rain interruptions in the days leading up to the match that forced both teams to cancel their training sessions, Rahane elected to bat first, explaining that it has been a slightly dry pitch which may aid run accumulation. Statistics from the season, though, appear to indicate a challenging road ahead — teams batting first have won only three of 11 matches so far. They gave a debut in the franchise to Navdeep Saini – his first match since 2023 IPL, sending Rovman Powell out to open for the first time this season Among the additions mentioned include key players like Rinku Singh and Cameron Green, both of whom will play a vital role in anchoring the innings. PBKS, who were captained by Shreyas Iyer, made no alterations to their side. Having elected to bowl first, Iyer will depend on a well-balanced squad that holds experienced names including in the form of Marcus Stoinis and Yuzvendra Chahal. Priyansh Arya (Will be utilized as an Impact player during the chase). With KKR missing their spine of options in the spin department and PBKS entering on a consistent run, the match promises to be an absorbing contest as synergy between team balance and adaptability could prove crucial. Read also : SRH retain Livingstone and Harshal, LSG opt to chase in Hyderabad | Ravi Bishnoi’s 4/41 Helps Rajasthan Royals Defeat Gujarat Titans | Dhruv Jurel Rocks as Rajasthan Royals Defeat Gujarat Titans

Toss Update: LSG captain Rishabh Pant opted to bowl first against SRH in HyderabadToday afternoon saw another thrilling match in the IPL 2026, where Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) took on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Home ground of SRH. While Pant termed the pitch a “good wicket,” he suggested bowlers could get some help early on, before scoring after the powerplay would likely become difficult. The batting spot of Pant had an added dimension of curiosity, though — he was listed at No. 3 in the team sheet — as it remained uncertain whether he would open the innings. LSG were forced into multiple changes in their lineup and brought legspinner Digvesh Rathi and left-arm spinner M Siddharth plus pacer Avesh Khan On the other hand, Shahbaz Ahmed, Anrich Nortje and Mohsin Khan were dropped. Ayush Badoni will play a part as an Impact Player in the chase. Sunrisers Hyderabad too made a change in their combination with Liam Livingstone and Harshal Patel included in the playing XI. The only exclusion was Salil Arora with overseas pacers Eshan Malinga and David Payne still in the mix as Impact Player propositions It is on pitch No. 2, a surface that typically yields high-scoring games. The last of those afternoon games, in IPL 2025 here over the weekend resulted in a run-fest with SRH scoring 286 and Rajasthan Royals coming close to chasing them down with 242. With 63 and 68-meter square boundaries, as well as a straight boundary of 75 meters, conditions should again make for an interesting bat-and-ball contest. The game features LSG, who lost to Delhi Capitals in their previous match and will be looking for redemption against SRH after Sunrisers Hyderabad overcame Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens (albeit following a loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru). With both teams adapting strategically and the surface offering something for everyone, the fans can expect a contest in this battle to take place at Hyderabad. Read also : Dhruv Jurel Rocks as Rajasthan Royals Defeat Gujarat Titans | Hayden Calls for Discipline as GT Hope to Rebound from Close Defeat | RCB vs CSK IPL 2026 Preview

Match winner in a comeback spell, Ravi Bishnoi displayed his evolution and growth within 1 season after a struggling last season as he turned the tide of balance towards Rajasthan Royals pocketing the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026. The leg-spinner returned figures of 4 for 41 that won him the Player-of-the-Match award as well and more importantly made an impact shifting the momentum decisively in Rajasthan’s favour. Chasing a challenging target of 211, Gujarat Titans seemed comfortable on course in the middle overs with B Sai Sudharsan playing a calm knock as well a batting order deep enough to come good. But in the 11th over a turning point came as Bishnoi was brought into the attack. Exhibiting admirable control and tactical acumen, he picked up three essential wickets in six deliveries across two overs to break the spine of Gujarat’s chase. Bishnoi had earlier dismissed the well-set Sai Sudharsan, who was anchoring the innings. He quickly added the scalps of Glenn Phillips and Washington Sundar, leaving Gujarat under siege. He later picked up the scalp of Rahul Tewatia which ended up sealing the game in Rajasthan’s favour. On his performance, Bishnoi attributed the success to hard work in the off-season after a disappointing IPL 2025. “It was a tough season last season, but I continued with my processes. I found that my biggest weakness was inconsistent lengths. Every time I missed my length, I got punished,” he said after receiving his award. Resolute to correct this deficiency, Bishnoi spent a lot of time trying to perfect his bowling lengths via domestic cricket and training. You could see it in his energy on the field. Bishnoi bowled to a single corridor and used his variations wisely, especially against left-handed batsmen. On one side with a long boundary, he followed up with a sensible ploy of bowling googlies, both from middle and leg stump so the batters were forced to hit against the spin on to the bigger side. The plan works very well, as it lured both Sudharsan and Sundar into its trap. More than that, the leg-spinner stressed on preparation beyond just technical preparation. “I focused on everything—mental, technical and physical. I know, like I worked hard in the off-season and I continue to work between games,” he added, emphasizing the holistic approach that has guided his renaissance. Bishnoi’s path to this moment has not been direct. He had a great season in IPL 2023 as he finished as the highest wicket-taker for Lucknow Super Giants with 16 wickets to his name, but his form saw a dip in 2025 when he picked up just nine wickets in 11 matches at a high economy and average. So he was released before the IPL 2026 auction and Rajasthan Royals got him for INR 7.20 crore during the auction, a move that has already proven beneficial. If Bishnoi’s spell did the groundwork, however, the final act of the contest belonged to Tushar Deshpande, who kept his head when it mattered most in the final over. Cranking out a volley of pin-point yorkers and near-yorkers, Deshpande gave away only four runs, sealing the deal for Rajasthan by an edge of six runs. Not only did this victory demonstrate the fighting spirit of Rajasthan Royals, it also marked a massive comeback story for Bishnoi — establishing his endless brilliance in stride again as one of the match-winners in this tournament through sheer will and hard work. Read also : Dhruv Jurel Rocks as Rajasthan Royals Defeat Gujarat Titans | Hayden Calls for Discipline as GT Hope to Rebound from Close Defeat | RCB vs CSK IPL 2026 Preview

Rajasthan Royals (RR) registered a thrilling six-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in a high-scoring affair during Indian Premier League 2026 season where Dhruv Jurel stole the show. The prodigious young wicketkeeper-batter produced an outstanding all-round performance, not just with the bat but also in the field through his quite exceptional game sense. Jurel responded to his modest outing in RR’s opening game against the Chennai Super Kings with a flamboyant performance in Ahmedabad, where he smashed 75 off only 42 deliveries. Jurel, batting at No. 3 — a position he has just been promoted to — displayed maturity beyond his age in anchoring the innings without curtailing the run flow. Decorated with five boundaries and as many sixes, his innings proved useful in making the total competitive for RR. RR started with a bang as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided an explosive opening partnership. The pair scored 70 runs off just 38 balls, injuring the GT bowlers early on. Jaiswal had done the bulk of the scoring until Jurel joined him, at which point his pace slowed somewhat. But that change gave Jurel time to get settled and take charge of the innings. The duo propped up the innings with a 56-run stand for the second wicket, and Jurel got his scoring rate going once settled. Former cricketers Aaron Finch and Ambati Rayudu appreciated Jurel’s effort. Finch praised him for his match awareness and ability to go through the gears in an innings, while Rayudu referred to as “excepional talent” who had remained underrated within India cricket for a long time. Rayudu also backed the team management’s decision to push Jurel up the order ahead of seasoned names like Shimron Hetmyer. If Jurel’s batting was the foundation, his contribution didn’t end there. Gowda’s presence on the field and role in critical strategic choices proved crucial in RR edging to victory. One such example was his partnership with Ravi Bishnoi, who took four wickets and won the Player of the Match award. Bishnoi said he had spoken to Jurel about the option of bowling googlies to left-hand batters, given that the outer edge behind the wicket was longer than in front. It paid off, however, and led to two big dismissals — including the pair of B Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar. A second defining moment came in the final moments of GT’s chase. But with the game on a knife-edge, RR captain Riyan Parag had different plans for the final few overs. But it was a suggestion from Jurel that prompted a key adjustment: Bowling the 19th over, he decided, would go to Jofra Archer and the last one to Tushar Deshpande. This shift proved pivotal as RR were able to successfully defend their total. Parag later credited Jurel for the game-changing input, underscoring the vital role of quick thinking when pressure mounts. Archer said the strategy worked out perfectly, as everything came together in the closing moments. Jurel’s performance in this game showcased not just his batting skills but also shed light on how much of a tactically aware cricketer he is becoming. As IPL 2026 unfolded, his role in the RR setup increasingly looks so and performances like this one could easily cement him as one of the brightest young stars in Indian cricket. Read also : Hayden Calls for Discipline as GT Hope to Rebound from Close Defeat | RCB vs CSK IPL 2026 Preview | DC Choose to Bowl

The Gujarat Titans (GT), struggling with concerns early on in the Indian Premier League 2026 season after being narrowly beaten by the Rajasthan Royals (RR), have heard strong words from batting coach Matthew Hayden calling for more discipline within their ranks – particularly among their bowlers. GT’s marginal six-wicket loss here in Ahmedabad exposed minor, but critical gaps in execution, especially when it came to control of extras and sustenance of tight-knit lines. Perhaps the biggest respect both teams let down was the amount of wides bowled. GT ended up conceding nine wides against RR’s three, which translated to a free six extra runs — precisely how many they lost by. While Hayden conceded that cricket matches cannot be determined by those alone, he also admitted how crucial such mistakes are in exposing the fine margins that characterize T20 contests. GT’s top bowlers, from Kagiso Rabada to Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj, were all a degree or two off their rhythm. Rabada ended with 2 for 42, Rashid claimed 1 for 39, while Siraj had an awful day at the office, returning 1 for 48. Rabada and Rashid together bowled five wides, which contributed extra pressure on the side. It wasn’t skill that was the problem, Hayden explained, but execution. He noticed that the bowlers were missing their ideal lengths and lines by tiny margins — often bowling just too wide outside off stump, or slightly short. These might look like little mistakes, but they can be expensive in a format where batters are punishing anything chewy. “It’s about staying true to what you do best as a bowler,” said Hayden, adding that discipline and precision were key against modern T20 batting orders. Siraj, he added, is no exception to off days a good bowler can have and one needs to quickly regroup — ”without waiting for any weeks or something” — rest of the game’s consistency. GT luck was not limited to bowling. Batting has also raised concerns — especially six-hitting. In both matches so far, GT have been outdone by their opponents in clearing the boundary ropes. They managed 24 fours against RR, but only seven sixes (RR hit 12). They were better in terms of fours, but lacked behind in sixes against Punjab Kings as well. Hayden conceded that while GT have been successful with their strike rotation and hitting it through the trajectory, they haven’t capitalized on the potential of sixes to really get going. In these high-scoring T20 matches, the difference is often how many good balls the teams convert into big hits. Despite all this, GT were on a pretty good track in their chase of 210 against RR. At the halfway stage, they were coasting at 103 for 1, looking very much in control. But a flurry of wickets in the middle overs had turned the game on its head. Bishnoi’s introduction turned the tide and his spell precipitated a collapse. GT’s innings collided in exactly four overs, sliding from 107 for 1 to 161 for 7 and losing hold on the chase. Hayden pointed out a major moment when Washington Sundar, despite attacking Bishnoi, lost his wicket trying to hit one big against the longer boundary. Shahrukh Khan’s run-out was another key moment that dented GT’s hopes. Decisions like this — to take a risky run, for instance, or target a bowler in form — are vital in tight chases, Hayden said. He also lauded Ravindra Jadeja for his sharp effort on the field that contributed to the run-out. “These small plays add to big plays,” Hayden said, adding that one or two decisions can change the outcome of a close game. He emphasised the need for smarter decision-making, and a better awareness of the game situation when chasing big totals. Going forward, GT will need to rectify these setbacks as they get ready to lock horns with an in-form Delhi Capitals team that has been victorious in both of their games thus far. GT will have to display their more disciplined bowling and also enhance the power-hitting in order to get their campaign back on track after two consecutive losses have put them under early pressure. Hayden, though, is more optimistic, saying that the problems are solvable. With a star-studded squad (with self-belief) to work with, GT’s challenge will be to sharpen their execution and strike an even balance — because come IPL, the narrowest of margins decide results. Read also : RCB vs CSK IPL 2026 Preview | DC Choose to Bowl | Shreyas Iyer’s Clarity Drives PBKS to Record Chase vs CSK

The 2026 season of IPL includes in its upcoming schedule the latest installment in one of cricket’s great rivalries: a battle between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which is sure to have plenty of impacts on the rest of this year’s competition. What was assumed to be a one-sided contest with Chennai having the upper hand, recent results suggest that this dynamic has started changing as RCB look increasingly confident and settled, while CSK are in search of answers after having had a rough run at the start of their campaign. CSK was the early juggernaut in this rivalry, dominating the wins percentage but never with more than three titles. But the tide has veered slowly, now. RCB have now defeated them four times out of the last six encounters, one of which was a landmark victory at Chepauk, where Chennai fortified their bastion–something they had failed to do since 2008. RCB beat CSK three times in a row ahead of this match and will be keen to make it four straight wins against their arch-rival for the first time ever. The differences between the two teams could not have been more stark. RCB have started their title defense in dominant fashion with a fearlessly aggressive brand of cricket. Eye-catching chase of 202 runs in under 16 overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad sent across a strong message to the rest of the league. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the side appears balanced with experience at the top in Virat Kohli providing stability combined with power-hitters like Tim David and Romario Shepherd, who can provide the firepower needed. CSK’s campaign, on the other hand, has been far from smooth. Even after adjustments made at the auction to settle their batting woes, results so far have been lackluster. They scored a decent 209 against Punjab Kings, but failed to defend that total and they were bowled out for only 127 in their season opener against Rajasthan Royals. More concerning has been their performance with the ball — seven wickets in two games suggesting a lack of penetration and control. The venue, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, is considered one of the most batter-friendly grounds, where high scores are typically seen and bowlers sometimes have a hard time finding their rhythm. It has been one of the highest-scoring venues in the tournament with a 2023 average run rate of 9.73. This might be a major challenge for CSK’s beleaguered bowling unit which will have to up the ante against RCB’s x-factor. Another tussle to eye on, is Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Sanju Samson. Bhuvneshwar, one of the most consistent bowlers of the IPL era, boasts a great record and was very disciplined against SRH recently, excelling with controlling results in both powerplay overs as well as death phase. In contrast, Samson has not set Goals on Fire in the ongoing T20 series so far with scores of 6 and 7 in two innings. He was in well going into CSK after CSK made him the costliest purchase of IPL 2023 and will be looking to make an impression on a pitch that bodes well for his attacking style. One other thing that plays in CSK’s favour is the captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has fared well against Bhuvneshwar. If RCB’s outbursts arrive at CSK too fast, the leader of this column has a chance to keep the pace with his ability to give him just a good starting ticket. Yet, CSK seem to be lagging in the powerplay department overall — with an IPL-lowest run rate in the phase since 2025; a far cry from RCB’s numbers. The combinations they use on the team will matter greatly as well. If Josh Hazlewood is still unavailable, RCB will probably not tinker with their winning combination — as can be attested by yesterday’s impressive debut performance from Jacob Duffy. CSK, on the other hand, may also look for changes to beef up their bowling which is always a little tentative and has one less fast bowler in round conditions of Bengaluru. Given that recent matches at the ground have seen a number of 200-plus chases, another high-scoring encounter is on the cards. These conditions, coupled with how RCB are doing currently, makes them slight favourites. But CSK’s experience and ability to respond under pressure mean they cannot be ruled out. As the two squads gear up to meet, this contest is more than just another league match — it is a snapshot of a rivalry developing in real time. For RCB, it is a chance to cement their dominance. For CSK, it is an opportunity to restore pride and set the wheels of their campaign in motion. Read also : DC Choose to Bowl | Shreyas Iyer’s Clarity Drives PBKS to Record Chase vs CSK | Stephen Fleming Raises Questions on Bowling and Strategy