IPL 2026 KKR vs DC Preview: Pitch, Weather Report, Head To Head, Playing 11, Prediction. Kolkata Knight Riders will face Delhi Capitals in the final league match of IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens on Sunday. The contest remains crucial for KKR’s playoff hopes. Delhi Capitals are now officially eliminated from the playoff race after Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants earlier on Sunday. Punjab Kings moved to 15 points, while DC can finish with only 14 points. KKR, meanwhile, still has a mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs through net run rate.
The IPL 2026 clash between KKR and DC will begin at 7:30 PM IST on May 24. The match will take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Fans can watch the game live on JioHotstar. Television coverage will be available on Star Sports Network.
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Qualification Scenario
Kolkata Knight Riders still need several results to qualify for the playoffs. Mumbai must first defeat Rajasthan earlier in the evening. KKR must then beat Delhi Capitals by a massive margin to improve their net run rate. Their qualification hopes remain extremely slim.
If KKR score 200 runs batting first, they must beat Delhi Capitals by at least 77 runs. That margin would improve their net run rate. If KKR chase a target of 180 runs, they must complete the chase in around 12 to 12.4 overs. Delhi Capitals have already been eliminated from IPL 2026 after Punjab Kings reached 15 points with their victory over Lucknow Super Giants.
Pitch Report
The Eden Gardens pitch has produced several high-scoring matches this season. Batters have enjoyed the pace and bounce available on the surface. Spinners could receive some assistance during the middle overs. Dew may also become an important factor during the second innings. Captains winning the toss could prefer chasing under the lights in Kolkata.
Weather Report
The weather forecast predicts humid conditions throughout the evening in Kolkata. Temperatures are expected to remain close to 37 degrees Celsius during the match. There remains a slight possibility of rain interruptions. However, a full match is still expected at Eden Gardens.
Head-to-Head Record
KKR and DC have faced each other 36 times in IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders hold a slight advantage in the rivalry.
KKR wins: 20
DC wins: 15
No Result: 1
Earlier this season, KKR defeated Delhi Capitals comfortably by eight wickets in Delhi.
Probable Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Tim Seifert, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakravarthy, Kartik Tyagi, Saurabh Dubey.
Delhi Capitals: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan.
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Match Prediction
KKR appear slightly stronger because of home advantage and recent momentum. Their spin attack could trouble Delhi’s middle order. Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders to win a closely contested encounter.