Three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) finally got something to cheer about in the 19th edition of the tournament after a forgettable start. Ajinkya Rahane-led side registered their first win by defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR). After the team's four-wicket win, Varun Chakravarthy revealed that it was an emotional moment for the team, with a few players even in tears inside the dressing room.

KKR had a rough run before this game, going six matches without a win which is their worst stretch in IPL history. They were sitting at the bottom of the table with just one point, which came from a rain-hit match against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

KKR vs RR clash

For this game, the team decided to stick with the same playing XI and chose to bowl first. This time, their spinners stepped up and delivered.

They managed to restrict Rajasthan Royals to 155 runs. While chasing, things got tense, but Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy played a crucial role. The duo put together a record partnership for the seventh wicket and stayed calm under pressure to take the team home in the final over. With this win, KKR moved up to ninth place, although they have played one more match than Mumbai Indians, who are currently tenth.

 

Varun Chakravarthy on bowlers injuries

Chakravarthy was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant spell of 3 for 14. Notably, KKR's bowling unit is under pressure as their key fast bowlers, like Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Matheesha Pathirana, and Mustafizur Rahman, are missing due to injuries.

KKR are currently ninth in the IPL 2026 points table, and to seal the top four berth, the Kolkata-based franchise needs to reach 16 or 17 points. With 3 points from 7 matches, they have 7 league matches remaining.