IPL 2026: KKR vs MI, Match 65 - Top player battles to watch out for

Published - 19 May 2026, 19:00 IST | Updated - 19 May 2026, 19:13 IST

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 65 of the 2026 Indian Premier League at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, May 20.

The three-time champions come into this clash with their playoff hopes still up in the air. With two games left, they need wins in both games to stake a comfortable claim, but would still need other results to go in their favour. They face up against the five-time champions, who have a significantly favourable record against them. MI are playing for pride after having been eliminated from the competition. They will look to end their season on a high with a win over their big rivals from the East.

Finn Allen has, in the last few matches for the Knight Riders, shown why he is such a highly rated batter in the shortest format. The Kiwi opener has been in blistering form of late, scoring a 47-ball century against the Delhi Capitals and a 35-ball 93 against the Gujarat Titans. He has found the destructive gear that he broke out in the format with, and has been merciless in his takedown of bowlers in the powerplay and middle overs.

Stopping him in his tracks would fall on Jasprit Bumrah, MI’s prime fast-bowler, who is undergoing somewhat of a rut in 2026. He has picked up just three wickets in 12 games, despite bowing at an economy of 8.53. Despite the numbers, his reliability as a bankable bowler would mean he is up against Allen early.