KKR vs PBKS Highlights, IPL 2026: Rain saves Kolkata's blushes as match with Punjab gets called off

So, finally rain wins at the Eden Gardens on Monday as the match gets abandoned. The groundsmen tried their best but the umpires felt it was good not to go ahead and finish the game. Rahane and Shreyas shake hands with the umpires and each other and it will be the KKR skipper who will be the most happiest. 

The decision to bat first clearly backfired, but rain came to their rescue in the end. 

Ok, so the groundsmen have started their work at the Eden Gardens just as the rain has come to an end. They're making sure that no water is being spilt on the ground. The umpires are slowly making their way to the middle across the full covers on the ground. 

There is good news from the Eden Gardens as the rain has come to a stop. But the ground is still covered and the groundsmen haven't received the go-ahead to take them off. The cut-off for a five-over game is 11:14 pm and now the groundsmen will face a race against time to get things sorted. 

It's raining steadily in Kolkata. The entire ground has been covered. 

It doesn't look encouraging. The ground staff will need time to get the field of play ready once the rain stops. 

The cut-off time for a five-overs-per-side contest is 74 minutes away - 11:14 pm IST. The rain needs to stop soon for any chance of play tonight. 

Sorry for getting that wrong. The cut-off time is not 10:45 pm IST, but 11:14 pm IST for a five-overs-per-side game. If the game gets underway at that time, it should end by 11:40 pm IST. 

It's something that has changed this year in the IPL. 

Meanwhile, the rain is steady in Kolkata. 

Kevin Pietersen, who is at Eden Gardens, brings us the latest weather update. And it's not encouraging. 

“It looks like an ice rink at the moment. The wind is heavy and the ground staff are doing a great job, trying to keep the covers on the ground. If it stops and when it stops, we will get some play, because the entire ground is covered,” he said.

“I just saw a weather report and it said: ‘the worst is yet to come’. But, let’s keep our hopes high,” he added. 

It's getting worse in Kolkata. Heavy rain accompanied by gushing winds at the moment. The ground staff is struggling to keep the covers on the ground. 

The chances of play resuming anytime soon look bleak. 

The rain has intensified, with fans now taking cover, according to reports. The cut-off time for a five-overs-per-side contest is 10:45 pm IST.

There are also plenty of empty seats at Eden Gardens today, as reported by RevSportz's Debasis Sen.

It appears many fans may have chosen to stay away, anticipating the rain. The fact that it is a weekday could also be a factor. That said, the IPL has traditionally been weekday-proof for many years-especially at Eden Gardens.

The wait continues. The drizzle continues. Some 15 minutes ago, the intensity also picked up.

We are in for a long wait. 

If you are a KKR fan, would you be happy with a point today, considering how unstable the team is now?

Just when things looked set to resume, the rain has returned at Eden Gardens, forcing the covers back on. The situation remains fluid, with the next inspection now scheduled for 8:45 PM.

With a thunderstorm alert in place and showers expected in bursts, delays could stretch further, adding to the frustration for both Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings as they wait for a window to get back on the field.

Shreevats Goswami expressed surprise at Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to bat first for Kolkata Knight Riders in overcast conditions, calling it a “shocker” as early movement led to two quick wickets.

The former cricketer pointed out that the conditions clearly favoured seamers, with visible swing and edges carrying behind, making the decision a bold — and risky — one.

With KKR already under pressure in the points table, the move has raised further questions about their on-field calls and adaptability in changing conditions.

The good news for the fans is that the covers are already coming off. Looks like the rain has also reduced quite a bit, enough to remove the covers. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is also present at the stadium watching away. 

Well, someone has said it. 

Why did KKR win the toss and bat first, knowing there was rain forecast in the evening?

The good news is that it's only a drizzle at the moment. It has not got heavier.

Fans aren't using umbrellas and are enjoying the vibe at Eden Gardens. 

Hopefully, the drizzle stops and we get back to action now. 

Stay tuned with us for more updates. 

Social media is buzzing with reactions to that Cameron Green cameo. As expected, the price tag has become the talking point. 

Rain halts play in Kolkata. A welcome break for the Kolkata Knight Riders?

The entire ground is being covered. 

Let's hope it's a passing shower only.

LIVE SCORE: KKR (25 for 2 in 3.4 overs) vs PBKS. Rahane (8*), Raghuvanshi (7*); Bartlett (2/9)

18, 2 and 4. Cameron Green hasn't gotten going at all. The Australian all-rounder, who was bought for Rs 25.2 crore, has flopped with the bat. And he is yet to start bowling for Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Some experts were calling KKR to drop Green if he was not going to bowl, saying they get better value from West Indies's Rovman Powell. 

Meanwhile, young Angkrish Raghuvanshi is in at No. 4. Pressure on him and captain Ajinkya Rahane. 

Twin strike for Xavier Bartlett in his first over. Some fine outswingers and the Kolkata Knight Riders batters are unable to cope with it. 

After Finn Allen, Cameron Green bites the dust. The Australian all-rounder falls for 4. A poor poke and he managed a healthy edge to wicketkeeper Prabhsimran. 

Two wickets in that over for Bartlett. Reward for bowling a persistent line when there was outswing for him. 

Sensational bowling this from Xavier Bartlett. Finn Allen is out for 6. An outside edge that flew to the wicketkeeper. 

Eden Gardens goes silent. One of their most explosive batters has failed early.

Four outswingers. Four swings, three of them missed the bat. But, the fourth one kissed the edge and Prabhsimran takes a good low catch.