- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IPL 2026: Since the BCCI announced the IPL 2026 phase one schedule, Kolkata Knight Riders fans have speculated about upcoming opponents and venues. KKR will open against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on 29th March at 7:30 p.m. IST.
KKR will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 2, with the match starting at 7:30 p.m. IST.
Their third match is against the Punjab Kings on Monday, April 6, beginning at 7:30 p.m. IST.
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The fourth game is against Lucknow Super Giants on 9th April, at home. Start time is 7:30 p.m. IST.
The IPL governing council has not yet released the full schedule, but will announce it halfway through the first phase.
With three days left before the season starts, the Ajinkya Rahane-led side enters as three-time champions, having won in 2012, 2014, and 2024.
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Building on their past successes, here is a throwback to KKR's journey to their three IPL titles:
1. 2012: The Maiden Triumph (vs CSK)
After a shaky start to the campaign, Gambhir rallied KKR. In the final, they chased 190 against CSK, with Manvinder Bisla delivering a career-best performance to secure a five-wicket victory.
Key performers: Sunil Narine (Player of the series), Manvinder Bisla (Final MVP)
2. After their maiden title, KKR added a second IPL trophy in 2014
KKR rebounded with nine consecutive wins after losing most of their first seven encounters. In the final, Manish Pandey scored a match-winning 90 off 50 balls, helping the team chase 200—the summit clash's highest successful chase.
Key performers: Robin Uthappa (Orange cap), Sunil Narine, Manish Pandey
3. A decade after their second win, KKR clinched their third title in 2024
KKR dominated the season, finishing as table toppers. In the final, their bowlers dismissed SRH for 113 runs—the lowest ever in a final—and then chased the target in 10.3 overs with 57 balls remaining.
Key performers: Sunil Narine (Player of the series), Mitchell Starc (Final MVP), Venkatesh Iyer
KKR enters the new season aiming for a fourth title, led by Ajinkya Rahane with Rinku Singh as deputy.