Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will field Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy, while Delhi Capitals (DC) rely on KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and Kuldeep Yadav in Match 70 of IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST.
Currently, KKR sit 7th with 13 points and must win tonight to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, whereas DC hold 6th with 14 points after losing to SRH in their last game. Although KKR carry momentum after a 4-wicket win over MI, DC need just one point from this final game to mathematically stay in contention. However, this is the last league game for both sides, making it a genuine knockout for KKR and a crucial final push for DC.
KKR vs DC Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | KKR vs DC, Match 70, IPL 2026 (Last League Game) |
| Date | Sunday, May 24, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| Toss | 7:00 PM IST |
| KKR Captain | Ajinkya Rahane |
| DC Captain | Axar Patel |
| Stakes | KKR must win; DC need points for playoffs |
KKR Playing 11 Today
Because KKR beat MI by 4 wickets in their last game, they will retain an unchanged XI. Accordingly, Ajinkya Rahane (captain) and Finn Allen continue opening, since the duo put on a steady platform against MI.
Furthermore, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (340+ runs, 4 fifties) keeps wickets and bats at No. 3. Additionally, Cameron Green and Rinku Singh (286 runs, avg 71.50) handle the middle order, while Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell add death-overs power.
On the bowling front, Sunil Narine holds 24 wickets against DC (most by any bowler in this rivalry), making him KKR’s biggest weapon tonight. Moreover, Varun Chakravarthy and Anukul Roy form a three-pronged spin attack, while Kartik Tyagi (16+ wkts) and Vaibhav Arora handle the pace duties. However, KKR’s 6-2 record at Eden Gardens against DC gives them a significant home advantage.
KKR Predicted XI: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora.
DC Playing 11 Today
Since DC lost to SRH in their last game, they may tweak the bowling combination. Consequently, Abishek Porel keeps wickets and opens alongside KL Rahul (477+ runs, SR 177.98, Orange Cap #5, scored 152 vs PBKS and 6 fifties against KKR in career).
Besides that, Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi (267 runs, SR 161.81) provide middle-order firepower. Additionally, David Miller and Ashutosh Sharma handle the death overs, while captain Axar Patel anchors with left-arm spin all-round balance.
In terms of bowling, Mitchell Starc leads the pace attack with genuine speed and swing under lights. Moreover, Kuldeep Yadav (2 four-wicket hauls vs KKR) remains DC’s spin trump card, while T Natarajan delivers deadly left-arm yorkers at the death. However, DC’s bowling leaked runs badly in the SRH loss, and Eden Gardens’ flat surface could expose them further.
DC Predicted XI: Abishek Porel (WK), KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, David Miller, Axar Patel (C), Madhav Tiwari, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan.
Impact Player Picks for Both Sides
KKR Impact Sub: Varun Chakravarthy / Ramandeep Singh
If Varun is fully fit, he walks in as the mystery spin impact player. Otherwise, Ramandeep Singh offers aggressive middle-order batting and medium pace. Because Eden Gardens has historically rewarded spin, Varun’s inclusion alongside Narine and Anukul could create a devastating three-pronged spin attack that DC’s right-handers will struggle against.
DC Impact Sub: Nitish Rana / Vipraj Nigam
Similarly, Nitish Rana (182 runs at SR 182 in his best 4 innings) could return as a batting impact sub. Because Rana played for KKR until 2024, his knowledge of Eden Gardens conditions also gives DC a psychological edge, although his inconsistency remains a concern.
Key Players to Watch in Match 70
Firstly, the battle between Sunil Narine and KL Rahul will be the headline duel, since Narine holds 24 wickets against DC while Rahul has scored 6 fifties in 16 innings against KKR. Similarly, Kuldeep Yadav (2 four-wicket hauls vs KKR) versus Rinku Singh promises a fascinating spin duel between two players who know each other’s game inside out.
| Player | Team | Role | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | KKR | WK-Batter | 340+ runs; 4 fifties; KKR’s most reliable batter this season |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | All-rounder | 24 wickets vs DC (most in rivalry); eco 6.51; reached 200 IPL wkts |
| Rinku Singh | KKR | Finisher | 286 runs; avg 71.50; clutch performer; 5 sixes vs GT legend |
| Kartik Tyagi | KKR | Pacer | 16+ wickets; KKR’s leading wicket-taker; consistent across phases |
| KL Rahul | DC | WK-Opener | 477+ runs; SR 177.98; Orange Cap #5; 6 fifties vs KKR in career |
| Mitchell Starc | DC | Pace Spearhead | Genuine 145+ kmph pace; left-arm swing under lights; Super Over hero |
| Kuldeep Yadav | DC | Left-arm Spinner | 2 four-wicket hauls vs KKR; middle-overs threat; DC’s spin trump card |
Head-to-Head Record: KKR vs DC
Across 35 IPL meetings, KKR hold a commanding 19-15 lead over DC, with one match ending without a result.
| Category | Kolkata Knight Riders | Delhi Capitals |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 35 | 35 |
| Wins | 19 | 15 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Record at Eden Gardens | 6-2 | 2-6 |
| Current Streak | 3 consecutive wins | 3 consecutive losses vs KKR |
| Most Runs | Gambhir (569) | Warner (456) |
| Most Wickets | Narine (24) | Kuldeep Yadav (15) |
Additionally, Narine’s 24 wickets against DC is the highest by any single-franchise bowler in this rivalry, spanning over a decade of consistent performances. However, DC’s Kuldeep Yadav holds 2 four-wicket hauls against KKR, and Rahul’s 6 fifties show DC have match-winners who can thrive at Eden Gardens.
Pitch Report & Weather Forecast
Firstly, Eden Gardens has averaged 190-200 in first-innings scores during IPL 2025-26, significantly higher than the historical average of 166. Furthermore, the square boundary at the Press End measures just 60 metres, and both teams batting first and chasing have had success at this venue in IPL 2026.
Secondly, the Kolkata weather forecast shows clear conditions with a high of 36°C and zero chance of rain. Consequently, a full 40-over contest is guaranteed, and moderate dew will arrive after 8:30 PM, giving the chasing side some advantage. Besides that, the black-soil wicket provides decent bounce and lateral movement for pace bowlers with the new ball.
As a result, the captain winning the toss will likely bowl first to exploit the dew, although bat-first results have improved at this venue in 2026. Therefore, both Rahane and Axar face a tactical decision rather than the usual bowl-first default.
Match Prediction: Who Wins Today?
Kolkata Knight Riders enter as slight favourites due to their dominant 6-2 Eden Gardens record and three consecutive wins against DC. Specifically, Narine’s 24-wicket mastery over DC, combined with Raghuvanshi’s consistency and Rinku’s finishing ability, gives KKR a clear edge at their home fortress.
On the other hand, DC have the superior overall squad with Rahul, Starc, Kuldeep, and Miller. However, their 2-6 Eden Gardens record is a genuine psychological barrier, and the pressure of needing points to qualify could affect their performance.
As for the toss, the captain winning the flip will likely bowl first to exploit the dew. Ultimately, KKR are predicted to win this contest at Eden Gardens and therefore take their playoff push to the final calculations, although DC’s batting firepower with Rahul and Stubbs means this could go either way.
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Final Word
To sum up, the KKR vs DC Match 70 is the final league game for both teams, and it carries massive playoff implications in a season where the top four is still not decided. If Narine weaves his magic against DC one more time, then the Eden Gardens crowd gets the Sunday night celebration they crave.
Otherwise, Rahul’s 6 fifties against KKR and Starc’s left-arm pace under lights could hand DC the points they need. Either way, 60,000 fans at the Garden of Eden will witness a winner-takes-all thriller worthy of the last day of the league stage.
Disclaimer: Playing XIs, impact substitutes, and predictions draw on pre-match reports and may change based on the toss, fitness updates, and final team announcements.
