Image Credits: BCCI/IPL View Devdutt Padikkal Press Conference: Chinnaswamy pitch, Tim David’s strengths and RCB’s batting strategy Devdutt Padikkal Press Conference: Chinnaswami pitch, Tim David’s strengths and RCB’s batting strategy New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders finally opened their account in IPL 2026, scoring their first point after their encounter against Punjab Kings was abandoned on just 22 balls at the Eden Gardens on Monday. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, KKR shared a point with Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings, with the match having to be abandoned due to incessant rain and a wet outfield.

With this result, Punjab Kings reached the top of the IPL 2026 points table. They are now at No. 1 with five points from three matches, having registered two wins and one no result so far this season.

For KKR, the game left after a difficult start to the campaign at least helped them get off the mark. Earlier, home team captain Rahane won the toss and opted to bat, but his decision quickly backfired. Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett removed openers Finn Allen (6) and Cameron Green (4) in quick succession in the second over, reducing KKR’s score to 16 runs for two wickets.

Rahane (8 not out) and young wicketkeeper-batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi (7 not out) were trying to take hold of the innings when rain interrupted play at 25 for two after 3. 4 overs. With conditions not improving and the outfield remaining wet, the umpires eventually ruled.

Out of the match. Punjab Kings’ next match will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11, while KKR will face Lucknow Super Giants on April 9.