Kolkata Knight Riders continued their strong run in IPL 2026 with a comfortable win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking their third straight victory. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, the team delivered a complete performance, excelling in both bowling and batting.
After restricting SRH to 165, KKR chased down the target with ease, reaching 169/3 in just 18.2 overs. The win not only boosted their momentum but also highlighted the growing confidence within the squad.
Varun Chakravarthy turns the game
Rahane credited Varun Chakravarthy as the key figure behind the win, calling him the “game-changer.” The mystery spinner played a decisive role in the middle overs, picking up three crucial wickets and finishing with figures of 3/36. At a stage when SRH looked set for a bigger total, Chakravarthy’s breakthroughs halted their progress. His disciplined bowling ensured that the opposition couldn’t accelerate, ultimately keeping the target within reach.
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🚨 A HEATED MOMENT BETWEEN TRAVIS HEAD & VARUN
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) May 3, 2026
CHAKRAVARTHY 🚨
- Travis Head was in a destructive mood, dismantling Varun Chakravarthy by dispatching him all over the park. After leaking a boundary in his first over, Varun was hammered for two fours and a massive six in his… pic.twitter.com/FFJ4GvRO1u
Rahane emphasised that such impactful spells are vital in T20 cricket, where momentum can shift rapidly. He also noted that the bowling unit has been consistently delivering during this winning streak.
Calm chase seals third straight win
KKR’s batting unit backed up the bowlers with a composed chase. Rahane himself led from the front with a steady 43, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi impressed with a well-crafted 59. The pair stitched together an 84-run partnership, effectively removing any pressure from the chase. Their controlled approach ensured there were no late twists, as KKR wrapped up the game comfortably.
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Travis Head vs Varun Chakravarthy was a mouth watering contest , Varun had the last laugh
— Cricket IQ (@S17Anurag) May 3, 2026
Tulla gone #SRHvsKKR #SRHvKKR #IPL2026pic.twitter.com/6X3Ibpidp6
With three consecutive wins, Kolkata Knight Riders have regained momentum in the tournament. Rahane highlighted the importance of teamwork and consistency, noting that small contributions across departments are making a difference.
If this balance continues, KKR look well-positioned to push strongly in the remainder of the season.
