CSK vs KKR Highlights, IPL 2026: Noor Ahmad wins it for Chennai, Kolkata sink further

Sabyasachi Choudhary writes the match report for CSK vs KKR.

"On the eve of Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, the Kolkata Knight Riders would have hoped for a fresh start in IPL 2026. But the Shubho in Shubho Noboborsho didn’t quite translate on the field, as the Chennai Super Kings choked them with spin at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, winning by 32 runs," writes Sabyasachi Choudhary.

That's it from us folks. Check out the website for stories from the press conference, and if course our IPL Play of the Day, where we try to decipher where exactly the match changed.

This is the first time that the IPL pitch had something for everyone, says Akeal Hosein after the match.

He says that it is important for the wickets to not be belters. Hosein adds that this was a wicket where you had to earn your runs.

Ajinkya Rahane urges the fans to stay positive after KKR's fourth loss of the season.

Rahane credits the bowlers for doing well at Chepauk and says that it was not easy to hit CSK spinners.

KKR have now lost 4 out of their 5 matches.

Here's the updated IPL points table after CSK vs KKR.

Chennai Super Kings have thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders and grabbed their second win on a bounce this season.

Kolkata have sunk further, remaining winless now in 5 games straight. Ajinkya Rahane's team, who are woefully outdated at the moment have failed to score 193 runs, on an absolutely flat deck in Chennai.

And I feel very, very sorry for the KKR bowlers, who put up an incredible performance in Chennai, restricting the hosts to a below-par score, one which their woefully poor batting line-up failed to chase down on Tuesday.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (160/7 in 20 overs) lose by 32 runs, chasing 193 vs KKR. Anukul (1*), Rovman (31*).

Chennai Super Kings have once again returned with the round the wicket strategy in the death overs.

If you remember, they applied the same strategy against RCB, and conceded 100 runs in the last 5 overs against Tim David.

This is risky folks, but KKR batters do not seem to bother them at the moment.

Here's the proof: 

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (138/6 in 18 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Ramandeep (24*), Rovman (23*).

A nasty cramp on the upper thigh for Khaleel Ahmed in the final ball of the 17th over.

He pulls up while completing his run-up and straightaway hobbles out of the ground.

KKR are 131/6 in 17 overs and need 62 runs to win this match.

Ramandeep and Rovman need to strike at 20 runs per over if KKR are to win this match.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (131/6 in 17 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Ramandeep (21*), Rovman (20*).

Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh are batting at the moment, and are KKR's last hope against Chennai.

There is very little hope at the moment, but if anyone can, it is this partnership.

Since the dismissal of Rinku in the 13th over, KKR have scored 16 runs in 2 overs, as the two batters look to get their eyes in.

But the need to start attacking now.

They have nearly 100 runs to chase in the last 5 overs.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (107/6 in 15 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Ramandeep (5*), Rovman (13*).

The castle is falling down for KKR. 

Champions of 2024, and now they cannot read a spinner.

After Rahane and Green, Rinku Singh falls, leaving the team in precarious position.

12.5: Noor Ahmad to Rinku Singh, OUT! TAKEN! That’s the third for Noor Ahmad. Rinku Singh, under mounting pressure, tries to break free but holes out. It’s the wrong’un, tossed up full on middle and turning in. Rinku drops to one knee to go big over long on, but mistimes it off the inner half, and the catch is taken safely.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (91/6 in 13 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Ramandeep (1*), Rovman (2*).

Noor Ahmad! 

Noor Ahmad has shattered into the stumps of Cameron Green in the final ball of the 11th over.

After outfoxing Rahane, his has darted his ball into Cameron Green, and the most expensive overseas player in the history of the IPL returns for a duck!

10.6: Noor Ahmad to Cameron Green, OUT! CLEANED UP! Back-to-back wickets for Noor Ahmad as he dismisses Cameron Green for a golden duck, whose tough run in the IPL continues. Noor fires in a quicker leg-break from around the wicket, pitching it on off and getting it to turn in sharply. Green backs away, looking to cut, but is late on the shot as the ball sneaks through and crashes into the stumps. KKR have now lost half their side.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (85/5 in 11 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Green (0*), Rinku (6*).

A struggling innings from Ajinkya Rahane ends.

Noor Ahmad strikes in his second over, the 11th one for CSK.

Rahane fails to read the googly. Chips the ball in the air, and ends up slicing the ball to Ruturaj Gaikwad at extra-cover.

Rahane's strike-rate at the time of getting out - 127.

 KKR have managed to hold on to a catch.

Just a ball after Ajinkya Rahane was dropped by Sarfaraz Khan, running in from midwicket, Angkrish has found Dewald Brevis at long-on.

KKR lose their thir wicket as this entertainment of poor cricket, good cricket continues.

After Raghuvanshi's wicket - Rinku Singh comes out to bat for KKR.

9.2: Akeal Hosein to Ajinkya Rahane, dropped! Sarfaraz Khan puts one down. First Angkrish Raghuvanshi, now Rahane gets a life. Akeal Hosein cannot believe it. This is dropped short on middle, Rahane goes back to pull but mistimes it high towards deep mid-wicket. Sarfaraz runs in from the boundary but never quite settles under it, and the ball slips through his hands. They take a single.

9.3: Akeal Hosein to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, out! Caught! Dewald Brevis holds on this time. Hosein finally gets his reward. Fired in from around the wicket, short and on middle, Raghuvanshi goes deep in the crease and looks to flat-bat it over long-on, but fails to get any real power.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (81/3 in 10 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Angkrish (27), Rahane (27*). 

Kolkata Knight Riders break their shackles in the 9th over.

Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi pick up 19 runs from the over, bowled up Gurjapneet Singh.

Rahane hits the tall left-hander for 2 sixes, while Angkrish cuts him for a boundary.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (77/2 in 9 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Angkrish (26*), Rahane (24*). 

Everything is happening. Yet nothing is happening. That is the kind of innings that is unfolding in front of our eyes.

Half the KKR fans have probably switched off their TVs, the other half probably have their hearts in their mouths, seeing Dewald Brevis dropping a catch of Angrkish Raghuvanshi.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (58/2 in 8 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Angkrish (21*), Rahane (11*). 

KKR captain Ajinkay Rahane and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi are in absolutely no hurry of scoring runs in Chennai.

Rahane, who had said at the start of the season, that he has one of the best strike-rates in IPL history is currently batting at 66.67 SR.

CSK have bowled brilliantly and have only conceded 36 runs in the powerplay.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (36/2 in 6 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Angkrish (5*), Rahane (5*).

Sunil Narine's first innings in IPL 2026 as an opener lasts 17 balls.

Narine scores 24, and then edges Khaleel Ahmed's yorker to short third man!

KKR lose their second wicket inside the powerplay.

Gurjapneet Singh. Remember him? He holds on to the catch after Ruturaj's drop from last over.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (29/2 in 4.2 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Narine (24), Rahane (3*).

2.4: Khaleel Ahmed to Sunil Narine, SIX! Narine keeps the momentum going. Hard length into the body, Narine shifts slightly leg side and swings through the line. Times it sweetly and sends it sailing over wide long-on, clearing Dewald Brevis with ease.

0.5: Khaleel Ahmed to Sunil Narine, SIX! That’s been smoked. Short ball into the body, Narine makes a bit of room and pulls it cleanly. Strikes it from the middle and dispatches it over deep mid-wicket into the stands.

Sunil Narine is swinging and missing balls in the powerplay. Fast bowlers Khaleel and Kamboj are simply trying to swing the ball away from the arc of Narine, who is wildly swiping at everything he can.

Rahane has joined the left-hander after the fall of Finn Allen, but has not been able to start aggressively.

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad has dropped an absolute dolly at mid-off against Narine.

Very poor from the CSK captain.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (22/1 in 3 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Narine (18*), Rahane (2*).

Veteran Sunil Narine has started in a classic manner. He is going at every single ball, and has managed to eke out a six in the first over and then a boundary against Anshul Kamboj in the second over. 

However, the rub of the green has not gone KKR's way as aggressive Finn Allen has fallen cheaply after top edging a short of a length ball from Anshul Kamboj.

Allen tried to hit against the outswing, and ended up handing a high catch to Shivam Dube at point.

CSK vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR (13/1 in 1.4 overs) chasing 193 vs KKR. Narine (11*), Allen (1).

We are back underway, and there is an early surprise as Sunil Narine walks out to open alongside Fabian Allen, who has been introduced as KKR’s Impact Player. Akeal Hosein, meanwhile, slots in as CSK’s Impact substitute, with Varun Chakravarthy and Ayush Mhatre making way. Despite his inclusion, Akeal will not take the new ball, as Khaleel Ahmed starts proceedings with a slip in place. Allen is on strike, the target set at 193, and the chase begins with plenty of intrigue.

Kolkata Knight Riders have been outstanding at the death, conceding just 30 runs in the last four overs to completely stall Chennai Super Kings’ charge. CSK flew out of the blocks with 72 in the powerplay, but could manage only 119 in the remaining 14 overs—a remarkable comeback from KKR.

From staring at a 220-plus total, KKR have dragged it back to under 200, and they’ll be absolutely thrilled with that effort.

The chase now looks well within reach for the Knight Riders. With a strong batting lineup, this is a target they’ll fancy. CSK, on the other hand, have their task cut out—they’ll need early wickets and sustained pressure if they want to defend this total.

On a surface where most bowlers have been taken to the cleaners, Sunil Narine has stood out yet again—finishing with outstanding figures of 4-0-21-1.

In a high-scoring contest, that spell is pure gold. He’s controlled the tempo, built pressure, and chipped in with a crucial wicket when it mattered.

Fifteen years on with KKR, and Narine continues to deliver season after season—remarkable consistency from a true stalwart of the franchise

That’s a costly over from Vaibhav Arora—20 runs off it, and he’s had a tough outing overall, conceding 46 in his three overs so far. He’s struggled to find his rhythm, and KKR are paying the price.

Dewald Brevis and Sarfaraz Khan went after him with intent, capitalizing on anything loose and keeping the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace. This spell could really hurt the Knight Riders in the bigger picture.

With four overs still to go, CSK will be eyeing at least 210, and given the way these two are batting, even more isn’t out of the question.

Just when it seemed like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy had tightened the screws, the momentum swings again! Chakravarthy’s third over goes for 15 runs as Sarfaraz Khan and Dewald Brevis break free with some clean, authoritative hitting.

Both batters found the boundaries with power and precision, undoing the pressure that had been building. CSK have seized the moment here, and with the last six overs to come, they’ll be eyeing a big finish—220 is well within reach, if not something even bigger.

That is a massive, massive wicket for the Knight Riders! Sanju Samson was set on 48 and looked primed to explode in the death overs—another couple of overs and he could’ve taken the game away.

Kartik Tyagi delivers a thunderbolt—full, fast, and right in the channel around middle and off at 148.1 kph. Samson completely loses his shape, tries to manufacture a shot square of the wicket, but is beaten for sheer pace. Swings and misses… and the stumps are shattered!

A huge breakthrough at a crucial moment—KKR have struck just when they needed it most.

The spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy have managed to pull things back slightly for the Knight Riders, conceding just 22 runs in their three overs so far. They’ve applied the brakes just a touch, but CSK are still cruising along at a healthy rate of around 10.50 per over.

KKR would be desperate for a breakthrough here—if Narine and Chakravarthy can pick up a wicket or two, it could really shift the momentum in their favour.

Dewald Brevis is certainly living dangerously here! Sunil Narine nearly had his number. Brevis got himself into a bit of a tangle while trying to go big over the leg side, wasn’t quite in control of the shot.

All he manages is a top edge, and for a moment it looked like curtains—but he gets lucky! The ball drops just short of the fielder, and Brevis survives.

Dewald Brevis is up and running in style—launches his second ball for a six! No hesitation whatsoever against Sunil Narine. It wasn’t entirely out of the screws and could easily have found the long-on fielder, but it just had enough to clear the ropes.

Brevis looks positive from the get-go, and he’ll be keen to build a solid stand with Samson, ensuring CSK have the perfect platform heading into the death overs.

What a sensational start from Ayush Mhatre! He’s come out all guns blazing—25 off just 7 balls, taking the attack to Cameron Green without any hesitation!

The Chennai Super Kings are on fire, refusing to retreat even after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s wicket. The big question now—when will the Kolkata Knight Riders unleash Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy?

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s lean patch continues, with just 184 runs in his last 10 matches at a strike rate of 128.67, including only two fifties.

The Chennai Super Kings desperately need their skipper to rediscover form soon.

The stage is set at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, and listen to that roar! Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad stride out to the middle, ready for battle!

New ball in hand, it’s Vaibhav Arora for the Kolkata Knight Riders—we are all set for a cracking start!

KKR: Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi

Impact Player: Finn Allen, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Dahiya, Tim Seifert, Navdeep Saini

CSK: Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Khaleel Ahmed

Impact Player: Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Matt Henry

Still no MS Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings 

Kolkata Knight Riders have won the toss and opted to bowl first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Varun Chakravarthy has returned after replacing fast bowler Navdeep Saini. 

The Super Kings are unchanged from their win over the Delhi Capitals.

At the MA Chidambaram Stadium, boundaries measure 70m and 63m square, with 79m straight, setting up a balanced contest.

The pitch looks hard and well-rolled with good bounce, making it favourable for batters and likely to produce another high-scoring game.

Spinners may not get much help, with pacers relying on variations, while big hitters could turn it into a six-hitting spectacle.

MS Dhoni has been sidelined since the start of the season with a calf strain, and his much-anticipated return now appears delayed.

Although he has resumed light training with the Chennai Super Kings, his involvement has been minimal, with no wicketkeeping drills.

This suggests he is still not fully match-ready and may need more time to recover.

The Kolkata Knight Riders are in deep trouble, rooted to the bottom of the table and running out of time! Three defeats have already piled on the pressure, and against Punjab Kings, they were hanging by a thread before rain came to their rescue after early blows.

Make no mistake—this is precarious territory now for them. Another slip-up, and KKR could find themselves staring at an early exit from the tournament!