Kolkata Knight Riders claimed their first point of the IPL 2026 season after their match against Punjab Kings was abandoned due to heavy rain and a waterlogged outfield at Eden Gardens on Monday.



KKR were struggling at 25 for 2 in 3.4 overs when the initial downpour forced players off the field. Despite the cut-off time being extended to 11:14 PM, play could not resume, resulting in both teams sharing points. Punjab Kings also earned a point, moving temporarily to the top of the table with five points from three matches, while KKR now have one point from three games, ahead of Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, who are yet to register a point.



Interestingly, the KKR-PBKS fixture at Eden Gardens in IPL 2025 had also been abandoned due to rain.



KKR are set for their third consecutive home match against Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday, though weather forecasts suggest rain could disrupt play once again.



During Monday’s game, rain and strong winds began around 9 PM, escalating into a thunderstorm that caused the iconic Eden Gardens press box, supported by iron beams, to sway violently. The drizzle eased around 10:30 PM, allowing ground staff to remove the covers. While the pitch and outfield remained largely intact, a few puddles formed near the boundaries from water runoff.



On-field umpires Abhijeet Bengeri and J. Madanagopal inspected the conditions, joined by Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly. After consulting with KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane and Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer, the match was officially called off at 11 PM.



KKR’s decision to bat first proved challenging, particularly without frontline spinners Sunil Narine and injured Varun Chakravarthy. Punjab speedster Xavier Bartlett struck twice in his second over, removing star overseas batsmen Finn Allen (6) and Cameron Green (4). Arshdeep Singh had earlier applied pressure in the opening over, with Allen edging and missing deliveries before Bartlett finished the job with a brilliant swing and seam attack.



Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi attempted to steady the innings before rain resumed at 7:45 PM. Eden Gardens’ ground staff quickly covered the field, but persistent showers prevented any further play, frustrating the 29,358 spectators present. Bollywood superstar and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan made his first appearance of the season, witnessing yet another rain-hit encounter.