Kamal Ghorui
Kolkata Knight Riders’ opening problems continued in IPL 2026 as both Ajinkya Rahane and Tim Seifert fell early again in the match against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday.KKR have struggled for starts throughout the season, and the trend followed the same pattern as the top order failed to provide a base.Tim Seifert was the first to go in the final ball of the second over. Mohsin Khan bowled a full delivery around off stump, and Seifert chipped it straight to Mukul Choudhary at covers. He was dismissed for 0 off 3 balls, giving Mohsin a wicket-maiden over.Ajinkya Rahane followed soon after on the fourth ball of the fourth over. Mohsin bowled a length delivery around leg stump, and Rahane tried to slog it across the line. He was beaten by the lack of pace, miscued the shot, and the ball went towards mid-off where Aiden Markram completed a safe catch. Rahane was out for 10 off 15 balls, including one six.With both openers dismissed in successive overs, LSG got the perfect start in front of their home crowd.KKR’s opening partnerships this season have been among the poorest in the tournament.Their opening stands in IPL 2026 read: 69 against Mumbai Indians, 30 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, 12 against Punjab Kings, 15 against Lucknow Super Giants, 13 against Chennai Super Kings, 5 against Gujarat Titans, 0 against Rajasthan Royals, and now 3 against LSG.That adds up to 147 runs at an average of 18.37, the lowest among all teams this season.KKR opening stands in IPL 2026
- 69 (32) vs MI
- 30 (9) vs SRH
- 12 (10) vs PBKS
- 15 (10) vs LSG
- 13 (10) vs CSK
- 5 (4) vs GT
- 0 (1) vs RR
- 3(12) vs LSG
KKR’s openers have combined for only 258 runs this season at an average of 17.2, also the lowest by any team in the tournament.Rahane’s own numbers in the Powerplay have also reflected the struggle.In eight innings, he has scored 90 runs from 73 balls, with four dismissals. His strike rate stands at 123.3, while his dot-ball percentage is 42.4.After a Saturday where teams broke scoring records, Sunday turned into a low-scoring day, and KKR once again found themselves hurt by early wickets at the top.
