Kuldeep spun the contest Capitals’ way.
| Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY
K.L. Rahul’s aggressive knock (60, 30b, 5×4, 4×6) set up Delhi Capitals’ 40-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens here on Sunday.
Though the contest lost its significance as early as the fourth over when Rajasthan Royals sealed the final IPL 2026 playoff berth with a win over Mumbai Indians, the 33,000-strong crowd which stayed back was treated to an entertaining batting display by Rahul. He began cautiously even as his opening partner Abishek Porel provided the spark during the PowerPlay.
After the left-hander departed for 22 in the fifth over — he was caught behind by Tejasvi Singh off impressive left-arm seamer Saurabh Dubey — Rahul took charge.
Capitals’ senior pro went after the bowlers, particularly the spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.
After Narine sent back Sahil Parakh for 24, Rahul was involved in a 38-run partnership with skipper Axar Patel for the third wicket. The two plundered 20 off the 11th over bowled by pacer Kartik Tyagi, with Rahul smashing a six and a boundary and Axar chipping in with two fours.
The explosive David Miller provided the final flourish, his breezy 19-ball 28 with three towering sixes taking the visitors to 203 for five.
In reply, captain Ajinkya Rahane (63, 39b, 4×4, 4×6) waged a lone battle before the hosts were bundled out for 163. Kuldeep Yadav spun a web around the KKR batters, dismissing Rahane and Rinku Singh off consecutive balls.
The left-arm wrist spinner was unlucky to miss a hat-trick as Porel failed to pouch an edge off Tejasvi. Kuldeep finished with figures of 4-0-29-3.
Published – May 25, 2026 01:56 am IST
