Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) failed to qualify for the second round of IPL 2026 even before the end of the first innings against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday (May 24). KKR needed a favor from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to keep their playoff hopes alive. While KKR bowlers were busy bowling to DC at the Eden Gardens, RR defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium to become the fourth and the final team to qualify for the playoffs. KKR won the hearts of the fans with their heartfelt reaction to RR’s qualification.
“Congratulations on the playoffs spot, Rajasthan Royals. All the best @RCBTweets, @gujarat_titans, @SunRisers, @rajasthanroyals. May the best team win,” KKR wrote on X.
RR finished the league stage with 8 wins and 16 points. KKR has 6 wins and 13 points. They will finish with a maximum of 15 points even if they defeat DC. Punjab Kings also missed out on qualifying for the playoffs. They finished with 7 wins and 15 points.
KKR’s journey in IPL 2026
Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR made a forgettable start to the tournament and they failed to register a win in their first six games. Their third game against the Punjab Kings was washed out due to rain.
KKR finally registered their first win of the season against Rajasthan Royals on April 19. After four back-to-back wins, they lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 13.
KKR defeated Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians to keep their playoff hopes alive. Their game against DC became a dead rubber following DC’s win.
KKR have now crashed out of the league stage of two back-to-back IPL seasons following their title win in 2024. They could take a call on Rahane’s captaincy before IPL 2027.
RR, meanwhile, will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator on May 27. The winning team of the eliminator will face the losing team of the first qualifier in the second qualifier on May 29.
