Varun Chakaravarthy's spin magic triggers SRH collapse as KKR keep playoff hopes alive

Key facts

• KKR defeated SRH by 7 wickets in Match 45 of IPL 2026 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
• SRH were bowled out for 165 in 19 overs after losing 9 wickets for 60 runs in a middle-order collapse.
• Varun Chakaravarthy took 3 for 36 and was named Player of the Match for triggering the SRH collapse.
• Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored an unbeaten 59 off 47 balls to anchor KKR's chase of 166.
• Sunil Narine took 2 for 31 and reached 200 IPL wickets during the match.
• SRH remain 3rd on the points table with 12 points; KKR move to 5 points and stay 8th.
• This was the first time in IPL 2026 that SRH lost all 10 wickets in an innings.

A stunning turnaround in the middle overs

Kolkata Knight Riders produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets in a must-win IPL 2026 fixture on Sunday. The victory snapped SRH's five-match winning streak and kept KKR's fading playoff hopes alive. SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry afternoon pitch in Uppal. The decision appeared vindicated as Travis Head launched a blistering assault, scoring 61 off just 28 balls with nine fours and three sixes. Ishan Kishan supported with 42 off 29 deliveries, and at 105 for 1 in the ninth over, the hosts seemed set for a total well beyond 200. The match turned decisively when KKR introduced their spinners. Varun Chakaravarthy exploited the tacky surface to claim three wickets for 36 runs, while Sunil Narine applied relentless pressure from the other end, finishing with 2 for 31. The fielding intensity spiked, highlighted by Rovman Powell's spectacular one-handed catch. From 105 for 1, SRH lost nine wickets for just 60 runs, collapsing to 165 all out in exactly 19 overs.

Raghuvanshi and Rahane anchor the chase

Chasing 166, KKR needed a solid start and got it from opener Finn Allen, who smashed 29 off 13 balls in the Powerplay before being dismissed. Captain Ajinkya Rahane then played a measured knock of 43 off 36 deliveries, steadying the innings after Allen's departure. Angkrish Raghuvanshi proved the anchor, scoring a flawless 59 off 47 balls with five boundaries and two sixes. His composure ensured the required run rate never escalated, even as wickets fell at the other end. Rahane was dismissed by young Sakib Hussain, who finished with 1 for 17, and Raghuvanshi eventually fell to Shivang Kumar (1 for 31), but by then the platform was set. Rinku Singh provided the finishing touches, smashing an unbeaten 22 off 11 balls alongside Cameron Green (3 not out) to seal the chase at 169 for 3 in 18.2 overs, with 1.4 overs to spare.

Narine reaches 200 IPL wickets

During his spell, Sunil Narine reached the monumental milestone of 200 TATA IPL wickets, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest overseas bowlers in tournament history. The veteran spinner's two wickets for 31 runs were crucial in applying pressure during the middle overs. Varun Chakaravarthy was rightfully named Player of the Match for his 3 for 36, which initiated the incredible middle-order collapse and completely derailed SRH's momentum. His spell, combined with Narine's squeeze, exposed SRH's vulnerability against quality spin on a tacky pitch.

Playoff implications and wake-up call

The victory gives KKR a massive lifeline after entering the match in eighth place with just five points. To reach the playoffs, they will need to ride this momentum and treat every remaining game as a knockout. The win also marked the first time this season that KKR managed to bowl out an opposition team. Despite the defeat, SRH remain in a strong position, sitting third on the points table with 12 points. However, the middle-order collapse serves as a wake-up call for Pat Cummins and his side as they approach the business end of the tournament. This was the first time in IPL 2026 that SRH lost all ten wickets in an innings, a statistic that will concern the team management.

A season-defining moment for KKR

For Kolkata Knight Riders, this victory represents more than just two points. It is a statement that they can compete with the league's best when it matters most. The combination of Narine's milestone, Chakaravarthy's match-winning spell, and Raghuvanshi's mature innings suggests a team finding form at the right time. SRH, meanwhile, will look to address their batting depth and middle-order fragility. The collapse from 105 for 1 to 165 all out exposed a weakness that opposition teams will now target. With the playoffs in sight, the Sunrisers must regroup quickly to ensure their five-match winning streak is not forgotten in a late-season stumble.

The bottom line

• Varun Chakaravarthy's 3 for 36 triggered a catastrophic SRH collapse from 105/1 to 165 all out, the first time SRH lost all 10 wickets in IPL 2026.
• Angkrish Raghuvanshi's unbeaten 59 anchored KKR's chase, while Sunil Narine reached 200 IPL wickets during his 2 for 31 spell.
• KKR snapped SRH's five-match winning streak and kept their playoff hopes alive, moving to 5 points but remaining 8th.
• SRH remain 3rd with 12 points but face questions about middle-order resilience after losing 9 wickets for 60 runs.
• The match was played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, with Pat Cummins winning the toss and electing to bat.