Kolkata Knight Riders finally broke their winless streak in IPL 2026, thanks to a composed and match-winning knock from Rinku Singh, who delivered under pressure with an unbeaten 53 against Rajasthan Royals. Walking in at a tense stage of the chase, Rinku combined calm decision-making with calculated aggression, guiding KKR over the line in a nervy finish and giving their campaign much-needed momentum.
“There was intensity, but no hesitation,” Rinku said after the match, reflecting on his mindset during the high-pressure chase.
The left-hander, who also serves as KKR’s vice-captain, emphasised that despite the mounting pressure, he remained clear in his approach.“Sometimes it happens like that when a few things don’t go your way, so you feel that intensity,” he explained. “But it wasn’t like I was hesitating or unsure about playing my shots. My mindset was to take the game till the end.”
Rinku, who had been searching for a defining knock this season, made the most of an early reprieve and gradually shifted gears as the innings progressed. His ability to stay composed in crunch moments proved decisive.
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“That’s what happens sometimes. The mind doesn’t work properly, and you end up playing such shots,” he admitted.“But thankfully, luck was on my side, and we eventually won the match.”
He also acknowledged the personal significance of the innings.
“I had played quite a few innings and was waiting for a big one. This was very important for my confidence.” Reiterating his team-first mindset, Rinku made it clear that he is flexible with his batting position. “There’s nothing like a fixed position for me. I can bat at number five, lower down the order, or even at number four.Wherever the team needs me, I’m ready.”
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane echoed similar sentiments, calling the win both emotional and crucial after a difficult start to the season.
“Really happy to be here. Feels really good. There were a lot of emotions during the game,” Rahane said. He reserved special praise for Rinku, along with Varun Chakravarthy and Anukul Roy for their contributions. “It’s about reading the situation well. Cricket is a simple game. This victory will give us confidence. Batting-wise, we can still improve.”
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On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag pointed to fielding lapses as the turning point. “We can’t be dropping catches, that cost us the game,” he admitted, referencing the early chance given to Rinku. While RR had their moments, it was Rinku Singh’s composure and clarity that ultimately made the difference, potentially marking a turning point in KKR’s IPL 2026 campaign.
