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KKR's IPL 2026 just went from bad to worse with Chennai Super Kings demolishing the three-time champions by 32 runs at Chepauk. KKR will play Gujarat Titans on April 17.
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane was searching for answers after enduring fourth loss in IPL 2026. (AFP)Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane hinted at a potential shakeup in their next game against Gujarat Titans after the three-time champions lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 32 runs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) at Chepauk.
Coming into the game on the back of three losses in four games, KKR needed to win against CSK to bring their campaign back on track. Opting to bowl first, the KKR bowlers dished out a much-improved show to restrict the hosts to 192/5 after knocks from Sanju Samson (48) and Dewald Brevis (41).
In reply, KKR were never in the chase and paid the price for too much of experimenting. Unlike the previous four games, Rahane dropped himself at no.3, and brought Sunil Narine to open the innings. Cameron Green, who batted at no.4 previously, came as low as at no.6. KKR managed 160/7.
It's not the first time Narine was opening the batting for KKR. In fact, during IPL 2024, which KKR won, the veteran West Indies spinner walked out to open in majority of the games, achieving success. “I think combination-wise, we thought, the combination which we had last game and this was really good. I think it's tough at the moment,” Rahane said post-match.
“Yes, we'll have to sit in the dressing room, think about the combinations. We'll have to make any changes. Sometimes you back the players, if the results are going your way, then it's okay. But if the results are not going your way, then you'll have to think about the combination. But apart from that, I thought it's all about being positive and keep our heads up,” he added.
What's ailing KKR in IPL 2026?
Coming into IPL 2026 on the back of a successive Big Bash League and T20 World Cup 2026, a lot was expected from Finn Allen. But the Kiwi opener disappointed with just a double digit score so far. Adding more to that, Green should have his no.3 spot fixed in batting. Tim Seifert can be given a chance at the top replacing Allen.
On the bowling front, Vaibhav Arora, who played a crucial role in winning IPL 2024 for KKR, has gotten the beating in all the games so far. Missing Matheesha Pathirana has been a big problem for the franchise so far. The likes of Umran Malik can be tried in place of Arora against Gujarat Titans. Left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey can also be an option.
Where do KKR stand in points table?
After this loss, KKR languish at the bottom of the points table with just a single point in five games. The only also came from the washout against Punjab Kings in Kolkata. Mumbai Indians are ninth with just two points while CSK jumped to the eighth spot after the win over KKR. CSK have four points. KKR will play Gujarat Titans on April 17 in Ahmedabad.
Catch the live updates from IPL 2026 with the complete IPL 2026 Schedule and the IPL 2026 Points Table. Also, know who are currently leading the charts in IPL 2026 Orange Cap and IPL 2026 Purple Cap.
About the Author
Koushik Paul
Koushik lives and breathes sports. After transitioning from his own aspirations of becoming a professional athlete, he successfully channeled that lifelong passion into a prolific career, documenting the action both from the sidelines and the editorial desk. With over eight years of industry experience, Koushik joined LiveMint as a Deputy Chief Content Producer in 2024, following impactful stints at Outlook India, India.com, Sportskeeda, Women’s CricZone, and OrissaPOST. A 2017 Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from Maharaja Manindra Chandra College, Kolkata, Koushik has reported on high-profile events including the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017, Ranji Trophy, FIH Pro League, FIH World League finals, the Indian Premier League, and Lionel Messi’s historic visit to Kolkata in 2025. <br><br> While he possesses a versatile command over all sports, he finds his niche in cricket, specializing in breaking news, long-form interviews, global sporting updates, and high-energy live blogs. Koushik’s professional perspective was further sharpened through the 2020 AIPS Young Reporters Programme, where he gained invaluable insights from renowned international journalists, including Keir Radnedge and Riccardo Romani from the United Kingdom, and Martin Mazur from Argentina. Currently based between Kolkata and Delhi, Koushik remains at the forefront of the breaking developments that shape the public sporting discourse. When he isn't tracking scores or deconstructing plays, he can be found exploring new landscapes on his travels or channeling his creative energy into the kitchen. <br><br> If you have a compelling story to share or know an individual who deserves the spotlight, please reach out via email at <a href="koushik.paul@htdigital.in">koushik.paul@htdigital.in</a>.
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