Kolkata/IBNS: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opened their account in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after their home clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) was washed out due to heavy rain at the Eden Gardens on Monday.
Both teams shared a point each as per the rules after persistent rain, accompanied by strong winds, forced the match to be called off.
Although the covers were removed around 10:30 pm, umpires decided to abandon the game after a brief discussion with the captains, reportedly due to wet outfield.
Players rush to dugout as rain stopped the play. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
The match was interrupted in the fourth over, with only 3.4 overs bowled before players rushed off the field as rain lashed the stadium.
KKR, who won the toss and surprisingly opted to bat despite rain forecasts, were struggling at 25/2 in 3.4 overs when play was halted.
Xavier Bartlett celebrating one of his wickets. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Openers Finn Allen and Cameron Green were dismissed early by Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett in the second over, denting KKR’s start.
For the first time in years, KKR took the field without their key bowlers Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy.
While Chakravarthy was sidelined due to injury, Narine missed out owing to illness, captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed at the toss.
Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Despite the washout, fans had a moment to cherish as Bollywood superstar and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan made his first appearance at the venue this IPL season.
The crowd erupted when the 60-year-old appeared on the giant screen.
Shah Rukh Khan waving at his fans. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Seated in the hospitality box, Khan was seen interacting with KKR Managing Director Venky Mysore before stepping out onto the balcony to wave at fans.
He was accompanied by his daughter, actor Suhana Khan.
The shared points helped KKR register their first point of the season, while Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, climbed to the top of the table with five points.
(Photos: Avishek Mitra/IBNS)