IPL 2026, KKR vs MI Preview: Kolkata Knight Riders fear unpredictable Mumbai Indians

MI captain Hardik Pandya and KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo credit: IPL) KOLKATA: One can’t help but be reminded of the adage ‘cricket is a great leveler’ when we saw Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians meet in a seemingly inconsequential game at the business end of a tournament they have dominated over the years. While five-time champions MI are out of contention for the playoffs, three-time IPL champions KKR are all out.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!The hosts remain one of five teams – Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals are the other four – fighting for the only play-off spot available as all sorts of permutations and combinations come into play. But Wednesday’s defeat is likely to officially end KKR’s playoff hopes for the second consecutive season. At the same time, it may not be enough to win the last two games, which would get them to 15 points.KKR should take heart from the way they have pulled their campaign back, registering five wins in their last six matches after a disastrous start to the season.But a side with nothing to lose often proves dangerous and MI played party poopers for Punjab Kings in their last match. In fact, it was MI who hit KKR hard in their first match in this IPL, registering a six-wicket victory.

Who will win the upcoming match between KKR and MI?

The main architects of this victory – Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma – will once again hold the key. Skipper Hardik Pandya, who is expected to return after missing three matches due to injury, will strengthen MI’s batting as well as bowling departments. MI may have faltered this time, but they will always have an edge over their opponents thanks to the experience of having a number of international players in the roster.KKR, on the other hand, seem to have finally sorted themselves out. While New Zealand opener Finn Allen got going, Rinku Singh took on the finisher’s responsibility.