NEW DELHI: After losing their opening game to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions finally gained momentum in their Indian Premier League title defense by defeating Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets at Guwahati’s ACA Stadium. While Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane was denied favourable conditions at their home ground - Eden Gardens - in the opening match, the team thrived in Guwahati and secured their first win of the tournament. Quinton de Kock played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 97 runs to guide KKR to victory in style.
Ahead of KKR's opening game against RCB at Eden Gardens, reports had suggested that pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee had denied skipper Rahane's request for a pitch that supported more spin.
