Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has heaped praise on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh following his team's thrilling two-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The match, played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, saw KKR defend a modest total of 168 runs, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance and some exceptional fielding.
Rinku Singh's Heroics Under Pressure
Rinku Singh played a crucial knock of 42 runs off just 23 balls, including three sixes and two fours, to help KKR post a competitive total. His innings was particularly valuable as KKR were struggling at 98 for 5 in the 14th over. Rahane, who was part of the commentary panel, was impressed by Rinku's ability to handle pressure and finish the innings strongly.
"Rinku Singh has shown tremendous composure and maturity. He has been doing this consistently for KKR, and today was no different. The way he paced his innings and then finished with those big hits was outstanding," Rahane said during the post-match analysis.
KKR's Bowling and Fielding Shine
Chasing 169 for victory, LSG got off to a flying start, with openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock adding 55 runs in the powerplay. However, KKR's bowlers, led by Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, pulled things back in the middle overs. Narine finished with figures of 2 for 24, while Chakravarthy took 1 for 29.
The match went down to the wire, with LSG needing 12 runs off the final over. KKR's young pacer Harshit Rana held his nerve, conceding only nine runs and taking two wickets to seal the victory for his team. Rahane also praised KKR's fielding, particularly a stunning catch by Andre Russell at the boundary to dismiss Marcus Stoinis.
Impact on IPL 2026 Points Table
The win propelled KKR to the top of the IPL 2026 points table, with six wins from eight matches. LSG, on the other hand, remained in the middle of the pack with four wins from eight games. Rahane believes that KKR's ability to win close matches will serve them well in the knockout stages.
"These are the matches that test a team's character. KKR have shown they can handle pressure situations. With Rinku Singh in form and their bowlers firing, they are definitely one of the favorites to reach the playoffs," Rahane added.
KKR will next face Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 1, while LSG will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on April 30.
