Kolkata Knight Riders looked firmly in control during the middle phase of their IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens, thanks to a composed partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi. The duo steadied the innings and built momentum after an early setback, keeping the scoreboard ticking with calculated aggression.

However, the game witnessed a sharp shift soon after both set batters were dismissed. KKR’s innings, which had been progressing smoothly, suddenly lost direction as wickets began to tumble in quick succession. The drop in tempo allowed LSG to claw their way back into the contest.

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The turning point came with the dismissal of Rinku Singh, a player known for his finishing abilities and match-winning contributions in previous seasons. Facing Avesh Khan, Rinku failed to read a sharp delivery that stayed on the stumps. Attempting a casual stroke with minimal footwork, he was beaten completely as the ball crashed into the stumps.

Rinku Singh cleaned up pic.twitter.com/lFhXmWDGuK

— Nickk Knight (@KnightNick34590) April 9, 2026

Rinku’s early departure for just 4 off 7 deliveries dealt a significant blow to KKR’s middle order, especially at a stage where acceleration was crucial. Avesh, fired up after the breakthrough, celebrated with an aggressive send-off, underlining the importance of the wicket.

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From a position of strength, KKR suddenly found themselves under pressure, having lost their fourth wicket. The collapse highlighted how quickly momentum can shift in T20 cricket, particularly when a set platform isn’t capitalised upon. LSG’s disciplined bowling, led by Avesh, ensured they remained firmly in the hunt despite KKR’s promising start.