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

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.

Here are the top Player Battles from Match 65:

3. Jasprit Bumrah vs Finn Allen

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.

2. AM Ghazanfar vs Angkrish Raghuvanshi

Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been the Knight Riders’ highest run-scorer in the 2026 season. The young right-hander from Mumbai has been a solid presence in KKR’s middle order, scoring 422 runs at a strike rate of 146.53, with five half-centuries. He scored a brilliant unbeaten 82 off 44 balls against the Titans, which pushed the three-time champions to 247/2 in their 20 overs.

Up against him will be AM Ghazanfar, who has been one of the bright spots of MI’s dismal season. The Afghan mystery spinner has picked up 13 wickets in nine matches and has been a reliable strike bowler for the five-time champions. He made his debut against the Knight Riders but was taken for runs aplenty while being unable to pick any wickets.

1. Sunil Narine vs Tilak Varma 

Tilak Varma is coming into this clash on the back of a brilliant unbeaten 75 off 33 balls, which won the five-time champions the game in Dharamshala against the Punjab Kings. While he has had a season not up to his high potential, he has stepped up with vital knocks when the chips are down. He will be looking to end his season on a high note, with runs under his belt.

His matchup in the middle overs would be up against veteran mystery spinner Sunil Narine, who has once again displayed why he is a dangerous customer to face up against. He has been decisive with the ball, with 13 wickets in 11 games, and has bowled at an economy of 6.70. He finished the GT match with figures of 2 for 29, earning him the player of the match award.