Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hit a new all-time low after they lost their first home of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 65 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday (April 2) as the visitors became the first team to win a match while batting first this season. The result meant that the Ajinkya Rahane-led side is still winless in the tournament after losing their opening game of the 2026 Indian Premier League too (IPL).
For those unversed, the three-time champions started the season with a defeat against Mumbai Indians (MI) by five wickets. KKR lost the fixture at Wankhede Stadium despite putting a huge total of 220 runs on the board. The hosts chased the target with ease with five balls to spare.
Breaking It Down
Created with AI. Errors are possible
KKR’s 14-Year-Old Low
This marks only the second time in KKR history that they have lost the first two games of the season. The only instance of the same happening was in 2012 (5107 days ago) under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership when they faced defeat against Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab.
Blessing in Disguise For KKR?
While the record is one that KKR would not have wanted, it might be a good omen for them. When the same happened in 2012, KKR ended up winning the title for the first time under Gambhir’s leadership. They finished second on the table and defeated Delhi Daredevils in the first qualifier at Pune before beating two-time defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
will next be in action on Monday (April 6) against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Eden Gardens. They will hope to get a victory and get their first points of the season. Another defeat will mean a historic low, as they will lose their first three matches of the season for the first time in history.