Kolkata, April 6 – The match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) was delayed after rain started at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Monday.
The light drizzle intensified, forcing the umpires to take the players off the field as covers were quickly brought on. The ground staff acted swiftly, laying out sheets across the pitch, square, and run-ups, and within moments, the entire playing area was covered.
After the rain, the covers were firmly placed, and the revised time for inspection was set for 8:45 PM IST. However, the rain continued past the inspection time, and past the 9:52 PM deadline after which overs will be reduced for both teams. This is the first match of the 2026 IPL in which the weather has had such an impact. If the rain subsides and the game starts, the overs will be reduced now, and the target will be set according to the DLS Method.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would have welcomed the break, having been in deep trouble at 25/2 after losing two key overseas batsmen early. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, would have been frustrated by the interruption, having dominated proceedings and keen to maintain the pressure.
Xavier Bartlett gave a perfect start to PBKS with a quick delivery inside the Powerplay.
KKR's troubles deepened early as Bartlett struck twice in quick succession with relentless precision. First, Allen fell in a similar manner, attempting to go big but only managing a thick outside edge. With Bartlett hitting the same spot consistently, moments later, Cameron Green's lean patch continued as he edged a probing delivery to the keeper for just 4, unable to resist the temptation outside off.
KKR found themselves two down in no time and under serious pressure. Earlier, KKR won the toss as Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine were out of the team, while PBKS opted for the same playing XI.