IPL 2026 KKR vs DC

The Indian Premier League 2026 season is underway, and two exciting matches are scheduled, KKR vs DC and SRH vs RCB. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to clash in the 70th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. KKR, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, need a strong result in their final game and a favour from the Mumbai Indians to keep alive their slim hopes of reaching the last four.

KKR are currently placed 6th with 13 points from 13 games. If RR beat MI in the afternoon clash, KKR and PBKS will both be eliminated. However, if RR lose, then it’s a shootout between PBKS and KKR. If KKR beat DC, they will reach 15 points, but a lot will ride on NRR. As per reports, KKR will need to chase down DC’s target in 12.1 overs or fewer. Or if they bat first, they need to win by 77 runs.

The Delhi Capitals arrive in Kolkata after being eliminated on Saturday, when PBKS tamed LSG in Lucknow. However, a win will see them topple KKR in the points table. Notably, this is the final league game of IPL 2026. Earlier this season, KKR beat DC at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and will be keen to complete the double over their rivals.

KKR come into this game on the back of a win against MI at this venue. So there will be confidence riding among the set of players. The H2H record between KKR and DC is competitive, with KKR leading 20-15 from 35 clashes. At Eden Gardens, it’s 8-2 in favour of KKR from 10 meetings.

The probable XI of KKR includes Ajinkya Rahane, Finn Allen, Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, and Saurabh Dubey. Impact Player: Varun Chakravarthy. The probable XI of DC includes KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel, Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, and Mukesh Kumar.

Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata, is India's oldest cricket stadium and remains one of the most electric atmospheres in world cricket. With a seating capacity of approximately 66,000, it features 66–68 meter square boundaries and 76–78 meter straight boundaries. While traditionally known for its spin-friendly nature, the ground has evolved into a high-scoring venue in recent seasons, making it one of the most challenging grounds for bowlers to defend totals.

The pitch at Eden Gardens is expected to be flat, batting-friendly, with true bounce and good carry. Recent games in the 2026 season at this venue have consistently produced high-scoring contests, with batters enjoying the true pace and quick outfield. While early movement might be available for seamers under the lights, the surface tends to flatten out quickly. Dew is unlikely to be a factor again.

In another match, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will host SRH vs RCB. Both sides have booked their berths in the playoffs. Third-placed SRH can break into the top 2 if they win by at least 87 runs or chase down the target in 11 overs or fewer. RCB, who are placed at the top of the pile, are the favourites to end there.

SRH come into this contest after a solid win against CSK. Notably, Pat Cummins’ men have won three out of their last 5 games. RCB are in a solid run of form and have won each of their last three matches. Rajat Patidar’s men will want to end the league stage on a high and have the desired momentum ahead of the playoffs.

Earlier this season, RCB beat SRH in a high-scoring thriller, and a win again will help them complete the double over the Orange Army. RCB will back themselves to challenge SRH in their fortress, while the hosts will lean on their core of experienced campaigners and powerful hitters to dominate at home.

The H2H record between SRH and RCB is competitive, with SRH leading 14-12 from 26 clashes. However, they've won only two and lost three to RCB since 2023. At home in Hyderabad, SRH have a 6-3 record against the defending champions.

The probable XI of SRH includes Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Smaran Ravichandran, Pat Cummins, Shivang Kumar, Eshan Malinga, and Sakib Hussain. Impact Player: Praful Hinge. The probable XI of RCB includes Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd/Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is known for its vibrant crowds, modern facilities, and reputation as a high-scoring batting paradise in T20 cricket. With a capacity of around 55,000, it delivers thrilling IPL contests under lights. The ground has relatively short boundaries and a fast outfield that rewards aggressive batting.

The weather in Kolkata is expected to be warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 34°C. Humidity is projected to hover around 70–80% during the match hours. There haven't been showers in Kolkata leading up to this match, and no rain is expected during the match.

In Hyderabad, expect a warm evening in late May. Daytime temperatures around 34-37°C, cooling to 27-31°C by match time (7:30 PM start). Humidity will be moderate. There is no rain threat, promising a full game. The dew factor can play a role later in the evening, potentially assisting the team batting second.

The side winning the toss may prefer to bat first at both venues, considering the flat and batting-friendly nature of the pitches. The team that adapts better to the conditions and executes their skills will have an edge in the matches.

The IPL 2026 season is nearing its end, and the upcoming matches between KKR vs DC and SRH vs RCB will be crucial in determining the playoff spots. Both teams will look to capitalize on the batting-friendly pitches and warm weather conditions to outscore their opponents.

📋 Disclaimer

The analysis presented in this article is purely based on the author's understanding and opinions derived from various reliable sources. The author has reviewed multiple sources to present this analysis.

If any information is found to be incorrect or misleading, it is purely a mistake originating from the source material and the author shall not be held responsible for the same. The author is sharing personal analysis on the topic based on what the sources have reported.