Published on: Apr 18, 2026 9:05 pm IST | Updated on: Apr 18, 2026 9:12 pm IST
Sunday’s doubleheader is upon us, and the afternoon game will be match 28 of the Tata IPL 2026, which is set to be played between the 3-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders and the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals. Knight Riders are winless thus far and languishing at the bottom of the points table. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, are heading into this fixture after a shocking defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad, which was their first loss of the season. They will be looking to return to winning ways after a blip in the last game, and who better than KKR as an opponent at this time. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 28th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), KKR vs RR, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The Knight Riders have now lost 5 of their 6 games this season, along with a no-result fixture they played against the Punjab Kings at home. Royals, who were enjoying their time at the pole position of the points table, suddenly ran into a roadblock in the form of Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, they can get their rhythm back in this game against a struggling KKR outfit, who are yet to open their winning account this season and are struggling in almost every facet of the game. Expect the win probability meter to favor the Knight Riders in this fixture. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 28th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), KKR vs RR, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
RR: 57% win chance KKR: 43% win chance
In his only opportunity this season, Tim didn't have an outing to remember. However, he will be a crucial cog at the top order for New Zealand to give them a blistering start.
200 runs in 5 games so far this season at a breathtaking strike rate of 263, Sooryavanshi is the real deal. Expect him to be among runs in this game as well.
Sooryavanshi's partner in crime, Yashasvi Jaiswal will be looking to cling to his good starts this season. The left-hander has scored 184 runs from 5 innings thus far this season.
The RR wicket-keeper batter has been their silent contributor this season. With twin fifties from 5 innings, Jurel has scored 176 runs from 5 innings so far striking at a massive rate of 177.77.
Check out our prediction for the KKR vs RR Indian Premier League 2026 match 28.
Match 28 of the Tata IPL 2026 pits the three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against the inaugural winners Rajasthan Royals (RR). For KKR, this fixture at Eden Gardens carries immense significance. Winless so far and languishing at the bottom of the points table, the Knight Riders desperately need a turnaround to keep their season alive.
KKR’s campaign has been marred by inconsistency and lack of rhythm. Their batting has failed to click collectively, while the bowling unit has struggled to defend totals. The absence of impactful performances has left them searching for answers. However, the expected return of Matheesha Pathirana, the Sri Lankan pacer, could provide the spark they need. His ability to deliver yorkers at the death and maintain control in crucial overs might just be the missing piece in KKR’s puzzle.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have looked confident and balanced, with their top order firing and bowlers executing plans effectively. Facing such a formidable opponent at home will test KKR’s resilience. Yet, Eden Gardens has often been the stage for Knight Riders’ comebacks, and the passionate Kolkata crowd will be eager to witness their team’s first victory of the season. With Pathirana’s inclusion and home advantage, this could well be the night KKR finally gets going.
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) head into Match 28 of the Tata IPL 2026 with confidence, despite suffering their first defeat of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Having won four of their five matches, the Royals sit comfortably in third place on the points table and remain one of the most balanced sides in the competition.
Their recent setback against SRH was a reminder that even strong teams can falter, but RR’s overall form suggests they should back themselves to bounce back quickly. The Royals’ batting unit, led by consistent performers at the top, has provided solid starts, while their bowling attack has been disciplined and effective in most games.
Against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are winless and languishing at the bottom of the table, RR will see a golden opportunity to regain momentum. The head-to-head record between the two sides in their last four meetings is evenly poised at two wins apiece, but current form heavily favors the Royals.
With KKR struggling to find rhythm and confidence, RR’s balanced approach and depth across departments should give them the edge. If they play to their strengths, the Royals can tame a lackluster KKR and reinforce their position as genuine title contenders. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 30 RR won: 14 KKR won: 16 No Result: 0
A total of 30 matches have been played between the Royals and the Knight Riders in IPL history. The 3-time champions KKR barely take the lead in this battle, having won 16 fixtures, whereas the inaugural champions RR have won 14.
How will the two teams, i.e., the Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, fare in the 28th match of IPL 2026? Let’s take a look.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande IMPACT SUB: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Tim Seifert (WK), Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi IMPACT SUB: CV Varun
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 15th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
With dew not a factor in the afternoon, the captain winning the toss may prefer batting first. The Eden Gardens pitch offers bounce and runs, rewarding aggressive stroke play. Setting a strong total could put pressure on the opposition in this high-stakes KKR vs RR clash.
The online live streaming of the 28th IPL 2026 match between the Rajasthan Royals 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.
Rajasthan Royals, with four wins from five and balanced performances across departments, enter as clear favorites. Kolkata Knight Riders remain winless and under pressure despite home advantage. Unless KKR produces a dramatic turnaround, the Royals should back themselves to secure victory and strengthen their position on the points table. So, as per our prediction, Rajasthan Royals are expected to win IPL 2026 Match 28, KKR vs RR.
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