Rajasthan Royals’ promising start unraveled rapidly under pressure from Kolkata Knight Riders’ spin duo, as the defending champions clinched their first win of the season with a dominant eight-wicket victory at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday night.
After being asked to bat first, Royals looked to be in control early on. Yashasvi Jaiswal and stand-in captain Riyan Parag stitched together a fluent partnership following the early dismissal of regular skipper Sanju Samson, who was bowled by a sharp yorker from Vaibhav Arora. At the end of the PowerPlay, RR had raced to 54 for one.
But the tide turned when KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane brought spin into the equation. Making his debut for the Kolkata side in place of an unwell Sunil Narine, England’s Moeen Ali found rhythm straight away. Yet, it was India’s Champions Trophy hero Varun Chakaravarthy who struck first, triggering a collapse.
The pair bowled a combined eight overs for just 40 runs and claimed four crucial wickets, applying the brakes on RR’s momentum. “The wicket was slightly sticky, but some batters helped us out,” Moeen quipped post-match.
Parag, after smashing three sixes—including one towering hit over deep mid-wicket off Varun—misjudged a delivery and skied a catch to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who sprinted forward for a fine take. Jaiswal followed in the next over, caught at long-on off Harshit Rana, while debutant Wanindu Hasaranga was cleaned up by Varun.
It took a gritty 28-ball 33 from Dhruv Jurel to lift the Royals to 151 for nine, a total that ultimately fell well short.
KKR’s chase was anchored by a scintillating knock from de Kock, who remained unbeaten on 97 off 61 deliveries, smashing eight fours and six sixes. Despite Rahane’s dismissal in the 11th over, the South African found solid support in Impact Player Angkrish Raghuvanshi, as the duo ensured there were no further hiccups.
KKR reached the target with 15 balls to spare, sending a strong message after a sluggish start to their title defense. While the Royals showed flashes of promise, their inability to convert starts and contain KKR’s top order left them with plenty to ponder going forward.
