Rahane and Green Lead the Charge in KKR's High-Scoring Intra-Squad Clash
In a thrilling display of batting prowess ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) conducted their second intra-squad practice match in Kolkata, West Bengal. The encounter saw standout performances from skipper Ajinkya Rahane and star all-rounder Cameron Green, both of whom notched up quickfire fifties to set the tone for a high-scoring affair.
Golden Knights Dominate with Batting Fireworks
The match featured the Golden Knights, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, taking on the Purple Knights, led by veteran Manish Pandey. Batting first, the Golden Knights got off to a flying start with Rahane and New Zealand opener Finn Allen at the crease. Allen played a brisk cameo, scoring 31 runs off just 15 balls, including an audacious ramp shot that sailed for six.
Rahane, however, stole the show with a brilliant knock of 58 runs from 25 deliveries, showcasing his aggressive intent. He was well-supported by Cameron Green, who continued the momentum with a fluent 52 off 30 balls. The Australian star also formed a productive partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who contributed a handy 23 from 17 balls.
Towards the end of the innings, Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh provided the finishing touches with explosive cameos. Rinku smashed 24 runs in just eight balls, while Ramandeep blazed his way to 42 off 16 deliveries, propelling the Golden Knights to a formidable total of 249/5 in their 20 overs. On the bowling front, Umran Malik had a forgettable outing, conceding 44 runs without taking a wicket in his three overs.
Purple Knights Struggle in Chase
In response, the Purple Knights faced an uphill battle and could only manage 188/9 while chasing a revised target of 190 runs. Their innings got off to a shaky start with openers Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra failing to make an impact, scoring 10 and 3 runs respectively. Uncapped batter Tejasvi Dahiya showed promise but was dismissed for 23, while captain Manish Pandey added a decent 22.
Seifert returned for a second stint with the bat and played a well-made 42, but it wasn't enough to steer his team to victory. Rahul Tripathi also chipped in with a quickfire 43, but the Purple Knights fell short by a significant margin. The bowling attack was led impressively by Blessing Muzarabani, who took 1/41 in four overs, and Kartik Tyagi, who claimed three wickets to restrict the opposition.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2026 Opener
This intra-squad match served as crucial preparation for KKR as they gear up for the IPL 2026 season. The franchise will kick off their campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 29 in Mumbai. With key players like Rahane and Green in fine form, KKR will be aiming to start the tournament on a high note and build momentum from these practice sessions.
The performances in this match highlight the depth and firepower in KKR's batting lineup, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if this form translates into success in the upcoming matches.
