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Worst in the league: Ajinkya Rahane-Seifert fail again as KKR's opening woes continue vs LSG
TL;DR
Kolkata Knight Riders' opening woes continued in IPL 2026 as Ajinkya Rahane and Tim Seifert fell early against Lucknow Super Giants. Seifert scored 0 and Rahane managed only 10 runs, contributing to KKR's ongoing struggles for solid starts.
Key points
- KKR's opening problems continued in IPL 2026
- Tim Seifert scored 0 runs off 3 balls
- Ajinkya Rahane scored 10 runs off 15 balls
- Both players fell early in the match against LSG
- Mohsin Khan took both wickets
Mohsin KhanKolkata Knight RidersLucknow Super GiantsAjinkya Rahane
Kolkata Knight Riders’ opening problems continued in IPL 2026 as both Ajinkya Rahane and Tim Seifert fell early again in the match against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday.
KKR have struggled for starts throughout the season, and the trend followed the same pattern as the top order failed to provide a base.
Tim Seifert was the first to go in the final ball of the second over. Mohsin Khan bowled a full delivery around off stump, and Seifert chipped it straight to Mukul Choudhary at covers. He was dismissed for 0 off 3 balls, giving Mohsin a wicket-maiden over.
Ajinkya Rahane followed soon after on the fourth ball of the fourth over. Mohsin bowled a length delivery around leg stump, and Rahane tried to slog it across the line. He was beaten by the lack of pace, miscued the shot, and the ball went towards mid-off where Aiden Markram completed a safe catch. Rahane was out for 10 off 15 balls, including one six.
With both openers dismissed in successive overs, LSG got the perfect start in front of their home crowd.
KKR’s opening partnerships this season have been among the poorest in the tournament.
Their opening stands in IPL 2026 read: 69 against Mumbai Indians, 30 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, 12 against Punjab Kings, 15 against Lucknow Super Giants, 13 against Chennai Super Kings, 5 against Gujarat Titans, 0 against Rajasthan Royals, and now 3 against LSG.
That adds up to 147 runs at an average of 18.37, the lowest among all teams this season.
KKR opening stands in IPL 2026
- 69 (32) vs MI
- 30 (9) vs SRH
- 12 (10) vs PBKS
- 15 (10) vs LSG
- 13 (10) vs CSK
- 5 (4) vs GT
- 0 (1) vs RR
- 3(12) vs LSG
KKR’s openers have combined for only 258 runs this season at an average of 17.2, also the lowest by any team in the tournament.
Rahane’s own numbers in the Powerplay have also reflected the struggle.
In eight innings, he has scored 90 runs from 73 balls, with four dismissals. His strike rate stands at 123.3, while his dot-ball percentage is 42.4.
After a Saturday where teams broke scoring records, Sunday turned into a low-scoring day, and KKR once again found themselves hurt by early wickets at the top.
Q&A
What were Ajinkya Rahane and Tim Seifert's scores in the match against LSG?
Ajinkya Rahane scored 10 runs off 15 balls, while Tim Seifert was dismissed for 0 runs off 3 balls.
How have KKR's opening batsmen performed in IPL 2026?
KKR's opening batsmen, including Rahane and Seifert, have consistently struggled to provide solid starts throughout the season.
Who dismissed Tim Seifert and Ajinkya Rahane in the match?
Both Tim Seifert and Ajinkya Rahane were dismissed by Mohsin Khan, with Seifert falling in the second over and Rahane in the fourth over.
