IPL 2026: Noor Ahmad's trickery stands out as CSK hand KKR fourth defeat in 5 games

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL campaign took another hit as Chennai Super Kings handed them a 32-run defeat on a tricky, two-paced pitch.

Chasing 193, KKR never really looked in control and eventually finished at 160/7. The loss exposed issues in their batting approach and overall planning, with the team now losing four of their first five matches.

KKR’s batting falters under pressure

KKR’s chase started poorly and kept slipping as wickets fell in clusters. Noor Ahmad turned the game with a brilliant spell, removing key batters including Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh and Cameron Green, as KKR collapsed from 79/2 to 90/6. Akeal Hossain also kept things tight, adding to the pressure.

Rahane (28 off 22) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (27 off 19) added a 50-run stand, but their slow approach hurt the chase, especially on a pitch where scoring wasn’t easy. Early blows from Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed removed Finn Allen and Sunil Narine, further denting KKR’s hopes.

Rovman Powell (31 off 22) and Ramandeep Singh (35* off 23) tried to fight back with a late partnership, but by then the required rate had climbed too high.

CSK build, then control the game

Earlier, CSK got off to a flying start, scoring 72/2 in the powerplay thanks to Sanju Samson (48 off 32) and Ayush Mhatre (38 off 17). Mhatre’s aggressive strokeplay, including two sixes and a “Kapil Dev-style Nataraja Shot” provided early momentum.

After the powerplay, KKR’s spinners, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy and Varun Chakravarthy,slowed things down effectively, conceding just 68 runs in 10 overs. Kartik Tyagi also impressed with his pace and variations at the death.

Dewald Brevis (41 off 29) and Sarfaraz Khan (23 off 18) ensured CSK reached a competitive total of 192/5.

CSK’s balanced performance with both bat and ball proved too strong, while KKR’s outdated batting approach and poor execution cost them dearly.