Kolkata Knight Riders endured a turbulent start in their IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants, despite coming in with momentum from a win over Rajasthan Royals. Their batting unit crumbled early, struggling to counter the disciplined bowling attack led by Mohsin Khan. By the 11th over, KKR had already lost half their side, leaving them in deep trouble on a challenging Ekana surface.
The situation worsened with the controversial dismissal of Angkrish Raghuvanshi for obstructing the field, which further dented KKR’s momentum. With wickets falling at regular intervals, the innings lacked stability—until Rinku Singh stepped in.
Rinku once again showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. Holding one end firmly, he shifted gears brilliantly in the death overs. The left-hander took on experienced pacers like Mohammed Shami and went particularly hard against Digvesh Rathi, turning the tide in the final overs.
WATCH – Angkrish Raghuvanshi Given Out for Obstructing the Field, Umpire Decision Sparks Drama
In a stunning display of power-hitting, Rinku smashed 24 runs off just four deliveries in one over, sending consecutive sixes into the stands. It was a reminder of his finishing prowess, echoing the form that made him a standout performer in previous IPL seasons.
Rinku’s innings was not just aggressive but also crucial in context. He scored a commanding 81 runs, accounting for more than half of KKR’s total. His partnership with Sunil Narine added valuable runs at a stage when the team desperately needed consolidation and momentum.
6⃣, 6⃣, 6⃣, 6⃣ 🤯
🎥 Enjoy Rinku Singh’s sizzling ball-striking in the last over 🔥
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/elFxwvCeWO#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #LSGvKKR | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/98wGgWK14c
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 26, 2026
Apart from Rinku, contributions were minimal. Cameron Green was the only other batter to make a notable impact, scoring 34 runs. The rest of the lineup failed to convert starts or build meaningful partnerships.
WATCH – Sanju Samson’s Lightning Stumping Sends Shubman Gill Back
From a position of collapse, Rinku’s late blitz ensured KKR posted a fighting total of 155 at the end of their 20 overs. While it may not have been a commanding score, the late surge gave their bowlers something to defend. Ultimately, the innings was a tale of two halves—early collapse and late resurgence—driven almost entirely by Rinku Singh’s brilliance under pressure.
