NEW DELHI: Rain interrupted the crucial IPL 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, leaving KKR’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread.At the time rain stopped play, Mumbai Indians were struggling at 57/4 in eight overs after being asked to bat first by KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane. The interruption came just when Kolkata appeared to have seized control of the contest.However, if the match is eventually washed out, both teams will be forced to share one point each — a result that would severely damage KKR’s chances of reaching the playoffs.Kolkata entered the match knowing they needed to win both of their remaining league games to stay alive in the qualification race. A no-result would leave them with a maximum possible tally of 14 points, which would not be enough to secure a top-four finish depending on other results.Before the rain arrived, KKR bowlers had delivered an excellent start. Saurabh Dubey removed the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav cheaply, while Mumbai’s top order struggled to score freely on a pitch that had spent most of the evening under covers.Speaking at the toss, Rahane admitted KKR could not afford any more mistakes this season.“We want to focus on that, we have to win two out of two, and we want to stay in the moment,” Rahane said.Mumbai captain Hardik Pandya also said his side wanted to finish the season strongly despite already being out of playoff contention.“Every game you play, you want to win. You want to play your best cricket,” Hardik said.A washout would officially end MI’s campaign with little impact on the standings, but for KKR, it could prove a heartbreaking blow after their late resurgence in the tournament.
