IPL 2026: Deja vu as rain has the final say at Eden

The build-up was perfect. Shah Rukh Khan attended his first match of the season while fans turned up in decent numbers to cheer for Kolkata Knight Riders despite the team’s recent struggles.

But, weather gods had other plans as the IPL 2026 fixture between KKR and Punjab Kings was washed out here on Monday.

Strange call

Despite predictions of rain, KKR opted to bat, and it was reeling at 25 for two in 3.4 overs when the showers arrived, halting play barely 17 minutes into the game at Eden Gardens.

Coming off two consecutive defeats, KKR took the field without the injured Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine.

Middle-order batter Rovman Powell and pacer Navdeep Saini were drafted into the XI.

Shaky start

It was another disappointing start for KKR as neither opener Finn Allen nor No. 3 Cameron Green managed to settle, both caught behind off pacer Xavier Bartlett.

With skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi attempting to rebuild, rain forced the players off the field.

There was initial hope of a restart as the groundstaff swiftly covered the square and outfield.

But as the evening wore on, the rain intensified and gust of wind swept across the ground. Sheets of rain lashed the square, the stands gradually emptied as spectators sought shelter, and puddles began forming despite the covers remaining firmly in place.

With no improvement in conditions, match referee Javagal Srinath had no other option but to call off the contest. Both teams were awarded a point each.

Incidentally, when the two sides met at the same venue last year, that match too was washed out.

A year later, it was a similar story.