In the initial weeks of the IPL season, success or lack thereof usually determines the way things pan out for teams, but at times, there is cause for concern. It doesn’t take long for a team that is on a winless streak to find itself in serious trouble. The same can be said of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who have found themselves struggling to get off the mark in the first six matches of IPL 2026. With five defeats and one no result, the pressure is mounting. The longer the drought continues, the slimmer the playoff hopes look.
This has been seen before in the history of the league. There are some teams that started off badly and then failed to regain themselves. Besides the 2026 season KKR team, there have been some other teams such as Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and Deccan Chargers who have also endured similar winless stretches in their first six matches.
Mumbai Indians, 2022
The most extreme example was seen in the 2022 IPL season by Mumbai Indians. They suffered defeat in their first eight games, which is the worst record of starting losses in an IPL season ever seen. The team could manage their first win only in their ninth match. This remains the benchmark for a poor opening in IPL history.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2019
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru team also suffered setbacks in 2019, as they lost the first six consecutive matches they played. But in the seventh match, they were able to avoid any further losses. Unfortunately for them, it proved too little, too late that season.
Delhi Capitals, 2013
Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) were in the same situation back in 2013. They had experienced a losing streak of six games, just like RCB. But they managed to break that losing streak in the seventh game, but the poor start had already hurt their campaign.
Deccan Chargers, 2012
In addition, Deccan Chargers too had a difficult start in the year 2012. They could not win any match from their first six encounters. These losses made them reach the last spot on the table at the start of the tournament.
Kolkata Knight Riders, 2026
KKR’s 2026 run has now been added to this list, having not yet tasted success in their opening six games where they have lost five and had a no-result match. What distinguishes KKR from the other teams listed above is that their streak is still ongoing. The next matches will be crucial. A turnaround is needed quickly to stay relevant in the tournament.
