Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Two matches and two defeats – that’s the story of Kolkata Knight Riders so far in the IPL 2026. Now, desperate for a win and open their account in the tournament, KKR might face another challenge – rain – in their third match. KKR are set to face Punjab Kings in their third match of the IPL 2026 at the Eden Gardens and will hope rain gods stay away from the crucial clash.According to the IMD weather bulletin, there is a high likelihood of rain impacting the match at the Eden Gardens.There has been persistent cloud cover since morning following a “low-pressure trough stretching from Bihar to Manipur, passing over North Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh”, as per the IMD.“The state is likely to witness another round of Kalbaishakhi storms, with the possibility of hail and thunderstorms from Sunday through Thursday. The intensity and spread of rainfall are expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday,” the IMD said.“The weather is expected to turn more severe on Tuesday, when Kalbaishakhi storms accompanied by winds of 50-60 kmph, lightning and rain are likely to impact Kolkata and adjoining areas.”
KKR, after their match against Punjab Kings on Monday, are scheduled to take on Lucknow Super Giants next at the same venue, and that game too carries a rain forecast. This means after two defeats, weather may add to KKR’s early-season worries.The scheduled practice sessions of both teams were cancelled on the eve of the match following a heavy afternoon downpour, with the Eden Gardens outfield remaining under covers and patches of water visible.
What if KKR vs PBKS IPL 2026 match is washed out?
With rain threatening to play spoilsport, the cut-off timings leave a narrow window for even a shortened contest.A minimum five-overs-a-side match can only be played if action begins by 10.56 pm, the absolute deadline to ensure a result.In such a scenario, the toss would need to take place by 10.46 pm.A five-over shootout, if it comes to that, turns into a high-intensity contest with little room for consolidation, placing a premium on power-hitting.However, if no play is possible by the cut-off time, the match will be abandoned, with both teams sharing one point each.Incidentally, the KKR vs PBKS clash last season on April 26 was also hit by rain, with both teams forced to settle for a point each.The Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings had posted 201/4 before KKR reached 7/0 when rain dashed hopes of a result.
