NEW DELHI: Two matches and two defeats – that’s the story of Kolkata Knight Riders so far in IPL 2026. Now, desperate for a win and opening their account in the tournament, KKR may face another challenge – rain – in their third match. KKR will take on Punjab Kings in their third match of IPL 2026 at the Eden Gardens and will be hoping that the rain gods stay away from the crucial clash.According to the IMD weather bulletin, there is a high chance of rain affecting the match at Eden Gardens.According to the IMD, there is persistent cloud cover since morning following a “low pressure trough extending from Bihar to Manipur across North Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh”.“The state is likely to witness another round of Kalbaishachi storms, with the possibility of hail and thunderstorms from Sunday to Thursday. The intensity and distribution of rains is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday,” the IMD said.“The weather is expected to worsen on Tuesday when Kalbaishakhi storm accompanied by winds of 50-60 kmph, lightning and rain is likely to hit Kolkata and adjoining areas.”
Watch
Devdutt Padikkal press conference: Chinnaswamy’s pitch, Tim David’s strength and RCB’s batting strategyKKR will take on Lucknow Super Giants at the same venue after their match against Punjab Kings on Monday and this match also carries a rain forecast. That said, after two defeats, the weather may add to KKR’s worries at the start of the season.Scheduled training sessions for both teams were canceled on the eve of the match after a heavy downpour in the afternoon, with the Eden Gardens pitch left under covers and patches of water visible.
What if KKR vs PBKS IPL 2026 match is deleted?
With rain threatening to spoil the sport, the time limits leave a narrow window even for a shortened competition.The minimum five-over-a-side match can only be played if the action starts before 22:56, which is the absolute deadline to secure a result.In such a scenario, the draw would have to take place by 22:46.If it comes down to it, the five-point shootout turns into a high-intensity contest with little room for consolidation that emphasizes power hitting.However, if it is not possible to play within the specified time, the match is over and both teams share one point each.Incidentally, last season’s KKR vs PBKS clash on April 26 was also affected by rain and both teams had to settle for a point each.Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings scored 201/4 before KKR made it 7/0 as hopes of a result were dashed by rain.
