KKR vs SRH Live Score, IPL 2026: Travis Head goes crazy in Kolkata – The Times of India

KKR vs SRH Live Score: Travis Head pulls off some crazy shots in Kolkata

Sunrisers Hyderabad surge to 43/0 after three overs, hammering 21 runs in the over as Travis Head goes on a rampage. He smashes two sixes and a four, taking full advantage of Vaibhav Arora’s erratic bowling. KKR’s struggles continue as SRH dominate early with an explosive start.

SRH 43-0 in 3 overs

KKR vs SRH Live Score: Blessing Muzarabani to bowl from other end

Sunrisers Hyderabad race to 22/0 after two overs, smashing 16 runs off Blessing Muzarabani. Travis Head takes charge with two crisp boundaries, while Abhishek Sharma joins in with a powerful six. KKR’s bowlers struggle with line and length as SRH get off to an aggressive start.

SRH 22-0 in 2 overs

KKR vs SRH Live Score: Vaibhav Arora begins with his swinging deliveries, concedes six off first over

Sunrisers Hyderabad score 6 runs in the opening over, with Travis Head finishing it with a boundary. Vaibhav Arora troubles Head early with swing and bounce, beating his outside edge twice. Abhishek Sharma gets off the mark with a single as SRH make a cautious but steady start.

SRH 6/0 in 1 over

KKR vs SRH Live Score: What to expect from the match

All signs point to an exciting, high-scoring encounter between KKR and SRH. With both teams boasting powerful batting lineups and struggling bowling units, fans can expect plenty of runs.

The pitch conditions at Eden Gardens further support this expectation, making it a paradise for batters. However, the team that bowls smarter and handles pressure better could come out on top.

For KKR, the focus will be on fixing their bowling issues and making the most of home advantage. For SRH, it will be about overcoming injuries and delivering a more balanced performance.

In the end, this match could come down to small moments: a crucial wicket, a tight over, or a game-changing knock. With so much at stake, both teams will be eager to make a statement.

KKR vs SRH Live Score: Sunil Narine speaks ahead of KKR-SRH encounter

Sunil Narine highlighted the importance of home support and team momentum as Kolkata Knight Riders gear up for matches in familiar conditions. He said playing in Kolkata gives the team an extra boost, thanks to the strong backing from fans. According to Narine, that energy often helps players raise their game in crucial moments.

Speaking about T20 cricket, Narine stressed how momentum can define results. He pointed out that in such a fast-paced format, teams can gain or lose momentum very quickly, making it essential to stay positive and play with confidence. He also underlined the importance of senior players guiding younger teammates, especially in a tournament as competitive as the IPL.

Narine noted that modern players are better prepared for T20 cricket because they regularly feature in leagues around the world. This experience, he said, makes them more aware of the challenges and pushes them to consistently give their best.

On his own role, Narine made it clear that he is flexible and focused on team needs. Whether batting at the top or lower down the order, he is willing to adapt depending on the team’s strategy.

KKR vs SRH Live Score: Here are the Playing XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan(w/c), Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, David Payne

Impact Subs: Harshal Patel, Liam Livingstone, Eshan Malinga, R Smaran, Sakib Hussain

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani

Impact Subs: Finn Allen, Manish Pandey, Saurabh Dubey, Rovman Powell, Tejasvi Dahiya

KKR vs SRH Live Score: KKR win toss, opt to bowl against SRH in Kolkata

Here are the comments at the toss from the captains.

Ishan Kishan said, “We would have bowled first. But batting first, we have to see the ball and play accordingly. We have to come up with the best game for us. You have to go out and do the basics right. Only one point I would say is execution, we need to calm even if we are not in a very good situation. We will look to keep it simple in this game. I don’t know yet, but he should be ready soon, he makes a big difference, with the bat as well. We have one change – Shivang comes in, keeping the wicket-taking options open, he has bowled well in the nets and we are giving him an opportunity.”

Ajinkya Rahane said, “We are going to bowl first. There is always room for improvement but there were a lot of positives. We don’t generally don’t see so much of grass, rain around and that’s why we wanted to bowl first. Not sure with the dew as there’s a breeze going around. It should be good for 40 overs. He is doing everything he needs to do. He should bowl soon. Going with the same team.”

KKR vs SRH Live Score: Toss coming up!

Squads:

Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Ajinkya Rahane(c), Finn Allen, Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Blessing Muzarabani, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Kartik Tyagi, Saurabh Dubey, Tejasvi Dahiya, Navdeep Saini, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Sarthak Ranjan, Prashant Solanki, Rahul Tripathi, Umran Malik, Daksh Kamra

Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w/c), Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Aniket Verma, Harsh Dubey, Harshal Patel, David Payne, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Shivang Kumar, Liam Livingstone, Smaran Ravichandran, Sakib Hussain, Shivam Mavi, Zeeshan Ansari, Kamindu Mendis, Brydon Carse, Praful Hinge, Krains Fuletra, Onkar Tarmale, Amit Kumar

IPL Score 2026 Live Score: Ishan Kishan to get another chance as captain

Ishan Kishan has made a strong impression as stand-in captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Leading the team in Pat Cummins’ absence, he showcased his ability with a brilliant knock of 80 in the opening game.

Head coach Daniel Vettori believes leadership suits Kishan and has a positive impact on his overall performance. His energy and confidence have been evident both behind the stumps and with the bat.

As he continues to grow into the role, Kishan is expected to play a key part in shaping SRH’s campaign. His ability to lead from the front could prove crucial in tight matches.

With Cummins still recovering, SRH will rely heavily on Kishan to guide the team. If he maintains his form, he could emerge as one of the standout leaders this season.

KKR vs SRH Live Score: Pitch conditions could favour batters

The Eden Gardens pitch for this match is expected to favour batters, raising the possibility of another high-scoring contest. Interestingly, it is the same surface used in a recent T20 World Cup semifinal, where New Zealand chased down 170 with ease.

Daniel Vettori noted that the pitch has more grass than expected, but it may not necessarily aid spinners. Instead, it could help the ball come onto the bat nicely, making strokeplay easier.

Over the years, Eden Gardens has produced high scores due to its fast outfield and relatively small boundaries. This trend is likely to continue in this match as well.

Both teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly. While bowlers may find it tough, those who can vary their pace and hit the right lengths could still make an impact.

SRH vs KKR Live Score: Daniel Vettori’s Take on KKR Spinners

SRH head coach Daniel Vettori has made it clear that Kolkata’s spin duo cannot be taken lightly, despite their recent struggles. Speaking ahead of the match, he emphasised the respect Narine and Chakravarthy command.

According to Vettori, both bowlers have consistently delivered for their team and country over the years. He believes the upcoming contest against them will be a key factor in deciding the match.

Even though they had a poor outing in their last game, Vettori expects them to bounce back strongly, especially at Eden Gardens. His comments underline the importance of experience in high-pressure situations.

For SRH batters, handling these two could be one of the biggest challenges. If they succeed, it could give them a significant edge in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.

IPL Score 2026: SRH’s batting strength vs bowling concerns

Sunrisers Hyderabad come into the match with a strong batting lineup but clear concerns in their bowling department. Players like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Travis Head provide explosive firepower at the top.

However, their inability to defend a 200-plus total in the opener exposed weaknesses in their bowling unit. Without Pat Cummins, who is sidelined due to fitness issues, the team lacks a leader in the attack.

This imbalance puts additional pressure on their batters to deliver consistently high scores. At the same time, their bowlers must find a way to improve quickly if they are to compete effectively.

Against KKR, SRH will need a more balanced performance. While their batting can dominate, it will be their bowling that determines whether they can secure a crucial win.

KKR vs SRH Live Score, IPL 2026: Narine-Chakravarthy under pressure

KKR’s trusted spin duo, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, are under the spotlight ahead of their clash against SRH. Traditionally match-winners, both have struggled to make an impact in recent outings.

Chakravarthy, in particular, has been off-colour, leaking runs without picking up wickets. Narine, meanwhile, has not been used as effectively as expected. Their underperformance has hurt KKR’s ability to control the middle overs.

With the pace attack weakened by injuries, the responsibility on the spinners has only increased. They will now be expected to step up, especially at Eden Gardens, where they have historically excelled.

Interestingly, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori has warned against underestimating them, highlighting their experience and track record. For KKR, this could be the perfect moment for their spin stars to bounce back and silence critics.

KKR vs SRH Live Score, IPL 2026: Eden Gardens advantage for KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders will look to make the most of their home advantage as they begin a crucial stretch of matches at Eden Gardens. Historically, this venue has been a fortress for KKR, with over 50 wins in 95 games, and they will hope to tap into that legacy.

This phase is particularly important, with three matches scheduled within a week and another before a long break due to state elections. A strong run here could shape their entire season.

However, their current form raises concerns. The team’s bowling attack appears thin, and their inability to defend a big total in the opener has dented confidence. Despite this, playing at home could offer a much-needed boost, especially for their spin bowlers.

If KKR can rediscover their rhythm and use conditions effectively, they have a great opportunity to turn things around. But against a dangerous SRH side, they will need to be at their very best.

KKR vs SRH Live Score: High-scoring clash on the cards

When Kolkata Knight Riders face Sunrisers Hyderabad, fans can expect fireworks. Both teams boast explosive batting lineups but share a common weakness, inconsistent bowling attacks. This combination sets the stage for what could be one of the highest-scoring matches of the season.

The Eden Gardens pitch, known for its quick outfield and batting-friendly nature, only adds to the excitement. With big hitters on both sides, neither team can afford lapses with the ball. KKR’s struggles in defending 220 in their opener highlight how costly poor execution can be.

SRH, too, faced similar issues in their first match, where their bowlers failed to protect a strong total. The absence of Pat Cummins has only compounded their problems.

With both teams eager to bounce back and prove a point, this contest may ultimately come down to which bowling unit can hold its nerve under pressure. In a match where runs are expected to flow freely, even a couple of tight overs could make all the difference.

KKR vs SRH Live Score, IPL 2026: Cameron Green’s limited role

Cameron Green’s limited role has added to KKR’s challenges this season. Bought for a huge price, the Australian all-rounder has not been able to bowl due to a back injury.

Head coach Abhishek Nayar described the situation as unfortunate but reiterated the team’s long-term faith in Green. He was seen as a potential successor to Andre Russell in terms of all-round impact.

While Green’s batting still offers value, his absence as a bowler reduces KKR’s balance. The team will be hoping he regains full fitness soon.

For now, they must find ways to manage without his bowling contribution, which puts additional pressure on the rest of the attack.

SRH vs KKR Live Score: KKR’s bowling woes in focus

Kolkata Knight Riders head into their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad with major concerns around their bowling. Despite being one of the most successful teams at Eden Gardens, their campaign has started shakily, largely due to a lack of depth in their attack. Injuries to key pacers and the absence or limited availability of players like Matheesha Pathirana and Cameron Green have left the unit vulnerable.

Their opening match exposed these weaknesses brutally, as they failed to defend a massive total of 220. The inability to control the game with the new ball and contain opposition batters raised serious questions. More worrying, however, has been the dip in form of their trusted spin duo, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy.

As KKR return home, they will hope familiar conditions can help them bounce back. Historically strong at Eden Gardens, they now face a crucial phase with multiple games in quick succession. If they are to revive their campaign, improving their bowling performance—especially in the middle overs—will be key against a powerful SRH batting lineup.

KKR vs SRH Live Score, IPL 2026: SRH bowling equally vulnerable

Sunrisers find themselves in a similar position after starting their campaign with a loss to reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. SRH boast a star-studded top order comprising Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Travis Head. But their bowling looks vulnerable — especially in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is yet to return to full match fitness — as they failed to defend 201 against RCB. The Australian skipper has resumed bowling in the nets and is targeting a comeback in the middle of the tournament, but for now, SRH must manage without their leader. In the opener, bowlers like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel and Eshan Malinga struggled to contain the opposition. SRH will also expect more from their top order after Abhishek and Head fell cheaply in the previous game.

IPL Score 2026: Will KKR drop Cameron Green today?

Green, who made 18 off 10 balls, did not bowl because of his workload management instructions given by Cricket Australia. With Green not being used as a bowler, it remains to be seen if KKR are tempted to bring in Rovman Powell, given the West Indian’s proven T20 credentials. Powell scored 149 runs in the T20 World Cup at a strike rate of 147.52 and also has fond memories of Eden Gardens, having smashed an unbeaten 34 off 19 balls in a Super Eight game against India. While KKR reportedly requested for a turning track, the pitch is expected to remain a sporting one, assisting both seamers and spinners, with 200 considered a par score. That makes it essential for Narine and Chakravarthy to step up.

SRH vs KKR Live Score: KKR home fixture of high importance

This fixture also marks the start of a crucial home stretch for the three-time champions, who will play three matches in seven days and another on April 19 before the Kolkata leg pauses for nearly a month due to the upcoming assembly polls. With four away games to follow and their next home fixture scheduled only on May 16, KKR know it is imperative to build momentum in this phase. Historically, Eden Gardens has been a stronghold of KKR, winning 54 out of 95 matches since 2008.

However, KKR’s start has already hit a few early bumps as expectedly with their thin bowling resources. They seemed to have assembled a well-rounded pace attack but injuries and availability issues had blunted their firepower. Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are ruled out, Matheesha Pathirana is yet to get an NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket, and Cameron Green — their Rs 25.20 crore overseas acquisition — is currently available only as a batter.

KKR vs SRH Live Score: Predicted XI, Pitch Report and Weather Forecast

KKR vs SRH Pitch Report

Eden Gardens in the IPL has been a batting paradise and the runs would be free flowing at the venue. One of the quickest outfields in the country, the pitch generally offers some assistance to the pacers early on, but even the slightest error will be punished by the pacers. Chasing under lights is always the preferred option here, so the team winning the toss is likely to bowl first.

KKR vs SRH Match Weather Forecast

The temperature will hover around 31°C in the evening with conditions likely to be humid with clear skies. No forecast of rain in the evening and throughout the night.

KKR vs SRH Match Prediction

KKR managed to post a massive 220 in their first game, but failed to defend, while on the other hand, SRH batters left nearly 20-30 runs in their game against RCB. Looking at the conditions, and the batting prowess, SRH will have the advantage over KKR with their more explosive batting unit, while KKR will hope their spin twins of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy fire in tandem to stop the SRH batters.

IPL Live Score: KKR, SRH in search of 1st win

Welcome to Times Of India’s live coverage of the IPL 2026 match 6 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Eden Garden, Kolkata. Both KKR and SRH lost their opening fixtures and will be aiming to open their account. KKR would imagine that they have the advantage playing at home, but SRH will be buoyed by the fact that they have the batting prowess to maximise the conditions at play. Eden Gardens has been a belter of a track in IPL over the years and SRH will have a gun batting line up that will back themselves to come good. On the other hand, even though KKR batters also made merry in their first outing at Wankhede, racking up 220 runs, but their bowling fell apart against Mumbai Indians, and they will be a major cause of concern for them against SRH.