Published on: May 19, 2026 7:20 pm IST | Updated on: May 18, 2026 6:21 pm IST
The Kolkata Knight Riders are still alive and kicking in the Tata IPL 2026 after a scintillating win over the Gujarat Titans by 29 runs. However, they next face their biggest nemesis in IPL history, i.e., the 5-time champions, the Mumbai Indians, in another must-win contest at home. The Mumbai Indians are already knocked out of the playoff race, but will look to spoil KKR’s party as well. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 65th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), KKR vs MI, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The Knight Riders have played dismal cricket against the Mumbai Indians. Their head-to-head record against the 5-time champions doesn’t give them a chance of securing a win in this contest. Yes, they still remain in the playoff hunt and will do everything possible to secure a win. However, given their record against MI, expect the 5-time champions to have the win probability meter favoring them. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 65th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), KKR vs MI, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
MI: 57% win chance KKR: 43% win chance
Ryan Rickelton has been the star with the bat for Mumbai Indians so far this season. The left-hander from South Africa has amassed 430 runs from just 10 innings so far this season.
After a match-winning fifty in the last game againsg PBKS, Tilak's confidence is on another level. The left-hander has 336 runs so far this season in 12 innings with two fifties and a century to his name.
A century and a 90 plus in two of his last three outings, Allen is finally cooking and that is what KKR were hoping from their powerful opener throughout the season. He is one to watch out for in this game.
The youngster has been a force to reckon with this season for Kolkata. He has scored 422 runs from 12 innings this season at a much better strike rate of 146.52, including 5 fifties. He will be one to watch out for yet again in KKR's batting group.
Check out our prediction for the KKR vs MI Indian Premier League 2026 match 65.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remain in the playoff race after bouncing back strongly with a 29‑run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT). That win came at a crucial time, especially after their recent blip against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). With 5 wins and 6 losses from 12 matches, KKR currently sits 8th on the points table with 11 points, making every game a virtual knockout.
Their next challenge is a daunting one, facing the Mumbai Indians (MI), the five‑time champions and their biggest nemesis in IPL history. The head‑to‑head record heavily favors MI, who have won 25 of the 36 meetings, leaving KKR with just 11 victories. Even earlier this season, MI defeated KKR by 6 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium, underlining their dominance in this rivalry.
For KKR, this clash at Eden Gardens is more than just another fixture; it’s a battle for survival. A win would keep their playoff hopes alive, while a loss could push them closer to elimination. With home support behind them, the Knight Riders must deliver a spirited performance to overcome their toughest hurdle yet.
The Mumbai Indians (MI) may be out of playoff contention, but they remain a dangerous side capable of upsetting rivals’ campaigns. With 4 wins and 8 losses from 12 matches, MI sit 9th on the points table with 8 points. Yet, they head into this clash with renewed confidence after a scintillating 6‑wicket victory over the Punjab Kings in Dharamsala.
That win showcased MI’s batting depth and resilience, reminding everyone that despite their struggles this season, they can still derail opponents’ playoff hopes. Their next challenge is against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, an opponent whom MI have dominated over the years. Being already out of playoff contention, MI won’t mind a bit embarrassing KKR and sending them packing.
For KKR, this is a must‑win encounter to stay alive in the playoff race, but MI’s ability to play freely without pressure makes them a tricky opponent. With pride at stake and momentum on their side, the Mumbai Indians could well spoil the Knight Riders’ party in front of their home crowd. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 36 MI won: 25 KKR won: 11 No Result: 0
In 36 meetings between the two sides, the Mumbai Indians have dominated the Kolkata Knight Riders by winning 25 games, whereas they have lost only 11. Even in the reverse fixture, MI defeated KKR by 6 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
How will the two teams, i.e., the Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, fare in the 65th match of IPL 2026? Let’s take a look.
Ryan Rickelton (WK), Naman Dhir, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Raghu Sharma IMPACT SUB: Rohit Sharma
Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell/Blessing Muzarabani, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Kartik Tyagi, Saurabh Dubey IMPACT SUB: Vaibhav Arora
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 65th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Eden Gardens has historically favored chasing, with dew often influencing second‑innings conditions. Captains winning the toss are expected to bowl first, aiming to restrict opponents before unleashing their batting firepower under lights. With average scores above 185, chasing remains the safer bet in Kolkata’s humid evening atmosphere.
The online live streaming of the 65th IPL 2026 match between the Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders will take place live on the JioHotstar App. TV viewers can watch the match live on the Star Sports 1, 2, and 3 HD and non-HD channels.
The Knight Riders have kept their hopes alive of qualifying for the playoffs of the Tata IPL 2026 after a scintillating win over the 2022 champions, the Gujarat Titans. A win in this game will keep their hopes afloat, but their head-to-head record against MI paints a different story. KKR has never dominated MI, and once again, we can expect MI to have the upper hand heading into this contest, particularly after they secured a win in their previous encounter against PBKS and defeated KKR in the reverse fixture. Therefore, per our prediction, Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to win IPL 2026 Match 65: KKR vs MI.
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