IPL 2026 | Match 70: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals | Preview and Predictions

Match 70 of the 2026 Indian Premier League season brings us a crucial encounter in the race for the final playoff place as a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders welcome an inconsistent Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Indian Premier League 2026 | 70: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals | 19:30 IST, 24th May 

Despite all the legwork they’ve done so far to get to this stage, Kolkata Knight Riders still don’t have destiny in their own hands – needing favour from others to make it through while the visitors – Delhi Capitals – regardless of their recent uptick in form might just have left too much on the plate – especially considering their negative net-run-rate of .871. 

By the time these two sides take the field on Sunday, all of this could prove inconsequential, however, at the time of writing time, Sunrisers Hyderabad have just opted to bat first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 67 while the other two teams of interest here – Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals – play in Match 68 and Match 69 respectively. 

Thus, if both PBKS and RR falter in their respective matches, a win for KKR can see them make an unlikely late push into the playoffs – with Sunrisers Hyderabad likely to be their opponents. 

Having now won six of their last seven league games, Ajinkya Rahane’s KKR are one of the most in-form teams in the tournament right now – alongside both RCB and Gujarat Titans. 

The top order has started to chip in with valuable runs, however, the lean patch of skipper Ajinkya Rahane has become a concern. That said, the likes of Finn Allen, Cameron Green and youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi have been the backbone of their latest resurgence, although the latter might have to sit out this crucial encounter – having gone off field against Mumbai Indians due to concussion – and as part of the concussion protocol will have to sit on the sidelines for seven days. 

Besides, the bowling attack has also come of age with the young Kartik Tyagi spearheading the attack with 18 wickets while the wily old fox Sunil Narine has picked up 14 wickets at an economy of just 6.40. 

As for their opponents, Delhi Capitals have only themselves to blame for the situation they find themselves in. They’ve let numerous games slip through their fingers at crucial junctures while losing heavily on their off days. 

Too much chopping and changing, both in the batting and bowling departments have resulted in a very disjointed campaign for the Capitals. Except maybe KL Rahul at the top of the order and Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs in the middle order, every other slot has been a merry go round. 

In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav has been a shadow of himself while Lungi Ngidi and Axar sit as joint highest wicket-takers with just 10 apiece. Mitchell Starc was duly missed in the first half of the season while the likes of T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar and Ranji star Aquib Nabi all flattered to deceive. 

In terms of weather forecast and pitch report, conditions are expected to be breezy but humid in Kolkata. Except for the last game where the overcast conditions played a hand and the day-game against RR, surfaces during the night games have generally been good for batting. Besides, on both instances where the side batting side scored 200+, they went on to win the game comfortably. 

Looking ahead to this crucial fixture, current form and momentum suggest KKR have the upper hand. However, games are rarely won on paper, and we know one thing about this DC side – despite all the loopholes – they are unpredictable and can beat anybody on their day if they get their act together. Thus, expect another close game but if we’re to back someone we’re going with KKR for this one. 

Fantasy XI: KL Rahul (vc), Finn Allen (c), Cameron Green, Abishek Porel, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc, Kartik Tyagi, Lungi Ngidi 

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata 

Winners Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders