IPL 2026: KKR's playoffs hopes dented as Angkrish Raghuvanshi ruled out of season

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026), the team announced through their social media handles. Raghuvanshi sustained a concussion and a fracture to a finger on his left hand while attempting a catch during KKR’s last fixture against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

In the 12^th over of the first innings, Raghuvanshi ran to catch a top edge from Hardik Pandya’s bat and collided with Varun Chakravarthy, which led to his injury. As a result, Tejasvi Dahiya came in as a concussion substitute for KKR and kept the wicket in his place.

“Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been ruled out of 2026 Indian Premier League after sustaining a concussion and a fracture to a finger on his left hand while attempting a catch during Kolkata Knight Riders’ match against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, 20 May,” said KKR in a statement.

IPL 2026: Complete list of injured players and replacements

Raghuvanshi’s injury comes as a major blow to KKR as he was the leading run-scorer for his team with 422 runs to his name from 12 innings at an average of 42.20 and a strike rate of 146.52, having scored five fifties.

How can KKR qualify?

KKR are still alive in the playoffs race, ranked sixth on the IPL 2026 points table with six wins from 13 matches, having 13 points to their name. They desperately need to win their last league fixture against Delhi Capitals on Sunday, May 24, in Kolkata.

However, they also require Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) to lose both of their last fixtures. If all three conditions are met, KKR will qualify for the playoffs, finishing fourth on the points table and will play the Eliminator fixture on May 27 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.