![KKR elected to bowl first vs DC [Source: Screengrab/JioHotstar]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779629578912_KKRVsDCtossupdate.jpg?type=hq)
KKR elected to bowl first vs DC [Source: Screengrab/JioHotstar]
The KKR vs DC IPL 2026 match could be a crucial one, but only if Mumbai Indians beat the Rajasthan Royals. If that happens, KKR would still be in the playoff race. However, if Rajasthan wins against Mumbai, they will secure the last playoff spot and knock KKR out of contention.
Both sides will keep their eyes on the afternoon clash between MI and RR, but they also need to focus on the evening match, which could potentially change the course of their IPL 2026 season. Unlike DC, who have a poor net run-rate, and have crashed out of the tournament, KKR has a solid chance to seal the playoff berth, but that won’t be easy.
The side has to beat the Delhi Capitals by a huge margin to improve their net run-rate, and have to beat the opponent by a margin of 77 runs if they score 200 runs. If they chase, the target has to be achieved between 12.1 and 12.4 overs.
A lot to play for in the IPL 2026 fixture at the Eden Gardens, and ahead of the contest, we take a look at the toss winner in the KKR Vs DC match.
KKR Vs DC toss update
KKR won the toss and in a must-win contest, Ajinkya Rahane, the team captain elected to bowl first as the side will aim to chase down the total inside 12 overs. Interestingly, KKR are going in with the same lineup from their last IPL fixture. Varun Chakaravarthy is also fit for the all-important IPL clash.
On the other hand, the visitors have made two changes, with Auqib Nabi getting yet another chance in the last league game for the side.
Also Read: IPL 2026: KKR vs DC Prediction, Match 70- Who Will Win Today?
KKR Vs DC Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Tejasvi Dahiya (wk), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Saurabh Dubey
Delhi Capitals Playing XI: Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (wk), Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Madhav Tiwari, Auqib Nabi, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Claims Unwanted Record! IPL Players With Most Ducks
KKR Vs DC: What the captains had to say
Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders Captain): "[What are KKR doing?] We are looking to bowl first.
[Reasons to bowl first?] It is very simple, we know the scenario that depends on the previous match, which is happening right now. We don't know the result. Also the wicket looks good. So, it is very simple.
[Reflection on the season] Absolutely! There is a game of cricket to be played, and the last six games have been fantastic for us. As I said, we don't know what is going to happen as I said. Whenever you are playing a game of cricket, you are playing to win.
Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals Captain): "[What he would have done?] We would have bowled first as well. The way the tournament has been, we have done well chasing. But looking at the wicket and at the next year, we want to see how our batters go while batting first.
[Reflection on this season] I don't think that we have to look at the season as a bad dream. A lot of reflections and a lot thinking on what we could do better. If you look at it, we haven't played badly but we let go of crucial moments in the game and let the game slip. Had we grabbed those chances, things would have been different. It is important to learn from those mistakes and move forward.
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