India, April 9 -- Ajinkya Rahane's battle with Mohammed Shami will be key during Kolkata Knight Riders' upcoming IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday. The KKR skipper has a good record against the veteran pacer. But this time, Shami is in hot form and has an economy rate of 4.00 in the powerplay so far this season, which is also the best for any bowler with a minimum of three overs.

Shami started IPL 2026 with the wicket of KL Rahul in his first ball and was in dominant form against SRH, destroying their top order. He has registered three wickets in two games this season, and all his wickets have come in the power play.

Against Shami, Rahane has registered 94 runs and has never been dismissed, with a strike rate of 16...