The IPL 2026 season continues to deliver thrilling contests as all 10 franchises battle for playoff spots. The tournament features Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals.
Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a hard-fought win over Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens. Chasing 148 on a slow and tricky surface, KKR held their nerve to secure victory thanks to a crucial partnership between Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell.
Playing his first match of the season, Pandey anchored the innings with a composed 45 off 33 balls, while Powell contributed a quick 40 off 30 deliveries. Their 64-run stand for the fourth wicket proved to be the turning point of the chase.
Earlier in the match, KKR’s bowlers made full use of the cloudy conditions and slow pitch after opting to field first. Mumbai Indians were reduced to 41/4 inside the powerplay, with Cameron Green and Saurabh Dubey striking twice each. Green was particularly impressive as he removed Ryan Rickelton and Naman Dhir within three deliveries.
Despite a fighting effort from MI, KKR successfully chased down the target to move to sixth place in the IPL 2026 points table.
The IPL 2026 format remains similar to the 2023 edition, with 10 teams divided into two groups. Teams play others in their group twice and teams from the opposite group once during the league stage. The top four teams qualify for the playoffs, with the top two sides playing Qualifier 1, while teams placed third and fourth face off in the Eliminator.
IPL 2026 Points Table After KKR vs MI
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points |
| 1 | RCB | 13 | 9 | 4 | 18 |
| 2 | GT | 13 | 8 | 5 | 16 |
| 3 | SRH | 13 | 8 | 5 | 16 |
| 4 | RR | 13 | 7 | 6 | 14 |
| 5 | PBKS | 13 | 6 | 7 | 13 |
| 6 | KKR | 13 | 6 | 7 | 12 |
| 7 | DC | 12 | 5 | 7 | 10 |
| 8 | CSK | 13 | 5 | 8 | 10 |
| 9 | MI | 13 | 4 | 9 | 8 |
| 10 | LSG | 13 | 4 | 9 | 8 |
