in the last league match of Indian Premier League On May 24, the 2026 season ended in impressive fashion with Delhi Capitals registering a stunning 40-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to field first, hoping his bowlers can contain Delhi Capitals on a ground that is ripe for good batting. However, the Capitals batsmen took full advantage of the conditions and posted a challenging score of 203/5 in the allotted 20 overs.
The foundation of Delhi's innings was laid by KL Rahul, who played fluent and aggressive innings at the top of the order. Rahul scored 60 runs in just 30 balls, continuously hitting boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving at a fast pace. Left-arm fast bowler Saurabh Dubey emerged as the best performer with the ball for Kolkata Knight Riders. He took two important wickets for 28 runs in his spell.
Chasing 204 to win, Kolkata Knight Riders needed a strong start but Delhi bowlers struck at regular intervals to keep the pressure on the home team. Despite the setbacks, captain Ajinkya Rahane fought hard for KKR by scoring a brilliant inning of 63 runs off 39 balls.
Kuldeep Yadav took 3 wickets for 29 runs and continuously troubled the batsmen with his spin. Lungi Ngidi also performed brilliantly and took three wickets for 27 runs with his disciplined fast bowling. Mitchell Starc did further damage with 2/26 from his three overs. KKR were eventually restricted to 163 runs, giving Delhi Capitals an impressive 40-run win and concluding the IPL 2026 season.
talking points:
KL Rahul played a tremendous innings
Delhi Capitals opener KL Rahul once again showed his class by playing a brilliant innings under pressure at the Eden Gardens. With wickets falling regularly at the other end, Rahul took the entire responsibility of handling the innings while maintaining an aggressive stance while at the crease. The stylish right-handed batsman attacked the Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers and scored 60 runs in just 30 balls. Rahul also had a great end to the IPL 2026 season, scoring 593 runs in 14 innings at an impressive average of 45.61.
Rahane proved his experience
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane showed tremendous character and experience during the chase despite his team struggling under pressure. Leading from the front, Rahane played a fighting inning of 63 runs off 39 balls and looked determined to keep KKR in the contest. He played beautiful strokes all around the ground and dominated the Delhi bowlers for most of his time at the crease.
DC finished with a win
Delhi Capitals ended their IPL 2026 campaign on a positive note with an impressive 40-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the final league match of the season. The win left Delhi Capitals sixth on the points table with 14 points and missing out on a playoff spot after an inconsistent season. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders finished their campaign in seventh position with 13 points.
who said what?
Ajinkya Rahane, Kolkata Knight Riders (losing captain)
(On his innings and the season overall) Yeah, I mean, the wicket was a little difficult in the beginning. I was batting really well and knew a batsman had to step up, so I tried to take my chances. I was really looking to target the strike rotation as well. Talking about the kind of season we had, I'm really proud of everybody. The situation we were in after six matches and then coming back from there, it took character, good attitude and resilience to survive the league and play that kind of cricket. I'm really proud of every single person. (On the positives of the second half of the season) Absolutely, there are a lot of positives. There were key moments in the first half of the season where we were losing, but after that, it's never easy to come back from there. IPL is a long tournament with a lot of pressure and high-pressure situations. But still, staying strong, having that character and attitude in every game and trying your best for the team – inside the dressing room we were all really happy. Like I said, everybody went out and made that effort. This season didn't go our way and we didn't qualify, which is disappointing, but I'm really proud of everyone and the effort we put in. (What will happen after the IPL season ends) I think people have their own commitments at the moment. We'll just go to our homes, maybe take some time off and then obviously we'll probably connect on a call or Zoom and carry the discussion forward. (On his personal plans after the season) For me, just a few days off. I am going to play my local league in Mumbai, which I am really looking forward to. As long as I am playing cricket I am happy. So yes, a few days off and then back to cricket.
Akshar Patel, Delhi Capitals (winning captain)
I'm very proud of the way we played the last three games. We saw the effort till the last match. First of all we have to accept our mistakes. This is about a match. We played well most of the time. It was important to capture that momentum. It is a high pressure tournament. At the end of the day, if you are in a good mental state, you may make wrong decisions. It is important to remain calm. If I feel frustrated I give myself time out. I think SRH are looking the strongest. When their top three score runs, they look very good.
Kuldeep Yadav, Player of the Match
I was not happy before this match because as a team we did not accomplish what we wanted. I didn't have a very good season. I was expecting more from myself. After the last game, I went back home and worked out with my coach. I played a game there. There are small things that you forget very quickly. I felt I was bowling a little more openly. Sometimes you're not using your whole body. This is where T20 batsmen are strong. Coming back from the last game, this was a lovely game for me. I was very clear about my plan. I saw the wicket in the first innings; It was a bit slow… Rinku's wicket was the perfect example. It was a good ball to get him out. it happens [drop catch off the hat-trick ball]! I am happy with the way I bowled. When I spoke to my coach he was very direct. He said you need to spin the ball; Try to deceive the batsman. When you swing the ball, there is a possibility of the batsman getting out.
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