Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra questioned Kolkata Knight Riders for not trying to improve their Net Run Rate after a four-wicket win against Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in the ongoing IPL 2026 on Wednesday.
KKR were able to restrict MI to a below-par score of 147 runs on a challenging wicket but took 18.5 overs to chase down the target. Manish Pandey top-scored with 45 runs off 33 balls but KKR were put under the cosh by MI bowlers as the hosts lost three early wickets.“Kolkata had an opportunity to improve their net run rate, which they didn’t do. If they had finished the match in 13.3 overs, they would have come at par with the Punjab Kings. They have come in positive, but there is still a difference between them and Punjab. What will you do if the game gets stuck later on net run rate? It’s a very small question, and that’s the net run rate’s story,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“You feel at that stage that it’s fine, but you realize by the 13th or 14th match that you are falling behind. This was a chance because the opposing team scored only 147. You don’t have as much of a chance in a 200-run match. What’s the guarantee of what kind of pitch will be there in the Delhi match, and how the opposing team will play? So Kolkata had a chance which they let go,” he added.
On the other hand, the renowned commentator highlighted that Punjab Kings could reach 15 points if they beat Lucknow Super Giants and will also have a chance to improve their Net Run Rate.
“The qualification scenario now is very, very simple. The Punjab Kings can reach 15 points if they beat LSG. Their net run rate is even better than Rajasthan’s. It might become even better if they win. If they win and reach 15 points, they will be in the pole position,” he said.
The former Delhi cricketer noted that if RR win their last game against MI, then all the qualification scenarios will be thrown out of the window.
“However, Rajasthan is the only team that can reach 16 points. If they win their last game, the net run rate and 15 points will not be useful for anyone. So “Rajasthan’s future is in their hands. The last match on the same day will be DC vs KKR. KKR can reach 15 points, but if they get locked with the Punjab Kings, the net run rate story will come there,” Chopra concluded.
