Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showcased their batting prowess against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League 2024 match in Kolkata on April 26. They crushed the opposition bowling attack and set a daunting total of 261 for 6.

Highest Total in IPL at Eden Gardens

KKR’s total of 261 for six at Eden Gardens secured a convincing victory and marked the highest total in IPL history at the venue. This remarkable achievement underscores KKR’s dominance on their home turf and showcases their batting firepower in the tournament.

See Also: IPL 2024: Phil Salt joins the elite list of Russell and Maxwell

Sunil Narine and Phil Salt’s Rapid Start

The foundation of KKR’s imposing total was laid by Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, who started the innings with aggressive intent. Their explosive partnership took KKR to 138 runs in just 10.2 overs before Narine’s dismissal, setting the stage for a formidable total.

Contribution of Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer

After Narine and Salt’s early dismissals, Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer continued the onslaught, adding crucial runs to the scoreboard. Their partnership of 40 runs in just 3 overs provided momentum to KKR’s innings, further consolidating their position.

Fan Reactions to Rinku Singh’s Dismissal and Skipper’s Batting Position

The dismissal of Rinku Singh sparked controversy among KKR fans, who expressed disappointment with the team management’s decision to send skipper Shreyas Iyer ahead of him. Despite fan demands for Rinku Singh to bat, Shreyas Iyer showcased his batting prowess with a quickfire innings. Shreyas Iyer scored 28 runs in just 10 balls.

25 balls left & Shreyas is in when there's literally rinku? What's this KKR obsession with L-R combo? Or they just don't want to insult the skipper by demoting him….. I don't understand this.

— arfan (@Im__Arfan) April 26, 2024

Why Shreyas when you have Rinku and only 4 overs left? pic.twitter.com/8dwQtN5wmx

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) April 26, 2024

Shreyas Iyer is upset Rinku Singh asked for Kohli's bat and not his.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 26, 2024

More than Sanjay Manjrekar,it's Gautam Gambhir who don't want Rinku Singh to play next WC.

Why he didn't come to bat once Phil Salt got out?Shreyas Iyer walking ahead of him can't be justified.

He can score runs but Situation demand Rinku in the middle.pic.twitter.com/oBI8y4Ri3Q

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) April 26, 2024

More than Sanjay Manjrekar,it's Gautam Gambhir who don't want Rinku Singh to play next WC.

Why he didn't come to bat once Phil Salt got out?Shreyas Iyer walking ahead of him can't be justified.

He can score runs but Situation demand Rinku in the middle.pic.twitter.com/oBI8y4Ri3Q

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) April 26, 2024

Shreyas Iyer made runs but on a form & ability,Rinku Singh deserve to bat come ahead of him.

Gautam Gambhir is giving 3-5 balls,is this justified with Rinku talent?Are you using to his potential?

If you can't give him 30-40 balls then better release himpic.twitter.com/0VNN55QJkA

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) April 26, 2024

Why on earth did they send Shreyas Iyer to bat before Rinku and Ramandeep, when there were only four overs left?

— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) April 26, 2024

Gambhir sending Shreyas ahead of Rinku pic.twitter.com/nUnLCJsxU1

— The Devil' (@iampaamaran) April 26, 2024

KKR don't want to break SRH Highest score record that's why sending Shreyas Iyer ahead Rinku Singh

— Cric Irfan (@Irfan_irru_17) April 26, 2024

You have RR in your team. Rinku & Raghuvanshi honestly why is Shreyas coming out to bat ahead of these guys?

— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) April 26, 2024

KKR made Rinku, KKR will destroy Rinku. Shreyas Iyer ahead of him in the 16th over 😂

— Neal (@pc_neal) April 26, 2024

Abey Shreyas Rinku ko bhej tu khud kyu aya.. Yaha Rinku ko drop karne ki baat ho rahi hai and this was his only chance before sunday 😡😡😡😡

— Archer (@poserarcher) April 26, 2024

Why did Shreyas Iyer come in before Rinku Singh at this position? Rinku was the right person for this spot ?????
Sunil Narine and Salt played useful innings for KKR, and Russel played some big shots. Where is our Hero Rinku Singh? He needs to bat to secure his place in the World… pic.twitter.com/gfIgGg3tSH

— Pushkarkuntal (@Pushkarkuntal1) April 26, 2024

KKR’s Dominance Over PBKS Bowlers

KKR’s aggressive batting approach left the Punjab Kings’ bowlers struggling to contain the onslaught. Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, Harshal Patel, and Rahul Chahar were among the wicket-takers for Punjab Kings, but they failed to stem the flow of runs against KKR’s relentless batting lineup.

Sloppy Fielding by Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings’ fielding woes compounded their bowling difficulties, adding several dropped catches. The sloppy fielding performance further dented their chances of restricting KKR’s run-scoring, allowing the opposition to capitalize on the missed opportunities.

Most expensive bowling returns for PBKS
0/66 – Mujeeb Ur Rahman vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2019
1/66 – Arshdeep Singh vs MI, Mohali, 2023
1/65 – Sandeep Sharma vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2014
0/62 – Michael Neser vs RCB, Mohali, 2013
1/60 – Sam Curran vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024

Most 250+ totals in Men’s T20 cricket
3 – Surrey
3 – SRH
2 – Czech Republic
2 – Somerset
2 – Yorkshire
2 – RCB
2 – KKR

Most sixes in an IPL innings for KKR
18 vs DC, Visakhapatnam, 2024
18 vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024
17 vs CSK, Chennai, 2018
17 vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2019

250-plus team totals in the IPL
287/3 – SRH vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2024
277/3 – SRH vs MI, Hyderabad, 2024
272/7 – KKR vs DC, Visakhapatnam, 2024
266/7 – SRH vs DC, Delhi, 2024
263/5 – RCB vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013
261/6 – KKR vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024
262/7 – RCB vs SRH, Bengaluru, 2024
257/5 – LSG vs PBKS, Mohali, 2023