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Rinku Singh stars against RR (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders registered their first win of IPL 2026 with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in a closely contested match. The chase went down to the final over, with KKR holding their nerve after a shaky start to the season marked by repeated batting collapses.
The win marked an important turnaround for the team, which had been searching for momentum after a series of disappointing results in the early phase of the tournament.
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Vice-captain Rinku Singh played a decisive role, scoring an unbeaten 53 under pressure. Anchoring the innings during a tense chase, he ensured KKR stayed in contention despite losing wickets at crucial moments.
Rinku revealed that his approach was to take the game deep, especially given the challenging situation. He emphasised the importance of communication with his batting partner and the team’s coaching staff, which helped him stay composed during the chase.
A key moment in the match came early in Rinku’s innings when he was dropped on a low score by Rajasthan Royals’ fielder Nandre Burger. The missed opportunity proved costly, as Rinku capitalised on the reprieve to guide his team to victory.
Reflecting on the moment, Rinku acknowledged that luck played a part in his performance. He noted that such turning points are common in cricket and can significantly alter the course of a match.
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane described the win as an emotional breakthrough after a difficult start to the campaign. He praised both the batting effort and the bowling unit for maintaining composure in a high-pressure situation.
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On the other side, Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag admitted that fielding lapses, particularly the dropped catch, played a major role in the defeat. He also pointed to execution issues in the final overs as a contributing factor.
The victory is expected to boost KKR’s confidence as they look to rebuild their campaign. Rinku highlighted that the win could serve as a turning point, helping the team carry positive momentum into upcoming matches.
With form and belief restored, KKR will aim to build consistency and climb the standings in the tournament.
