Gujarat Titans (GT) registered a composed five-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match No. 25 of the IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Friday, April 17.
Asked to bat first, KKR posted a competitive total of 180 but once again failed to make the most of their start. Cameron Green led the charge with a well-compiled 79 off 55 balls, holding the innings together after early setbacks. Rovman Powell (27 off 20) and Ramandeep Singh (17 off 8) provided useful contributions, but frequent wickets meant KKR couldn’t fully capitalise on the platform.
GT’s bowlers kept things under control with timely breakthroughs. Kagiso Rabada starred with three wickets, while Mohammed Siraj and Ashok Sharma chipped in with two wickets apiece to restrict the visiting side to a chaseable total.
In response, the Titans chased down the target efficiently, reaching 181/5 in 19.4 overs. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a superb 86 off 50 balls, while Jos Buttler (25 off 15) and Sai Sudharsan (22 off 16) provided a solid start. Contributions from Glenn Phillips and Rahul Tewatia ensured GT crossed the line comfortably.
Talking Points
1. KKR suffer their fifth loss of the season
It was another disappointing outing for KKR as they slumped to their fifth defeat of the season. Despite posting a competitive total, their inability to capitalise on key moments, especially in the powerplay and middle overs, proved costly. The inconsistency in both batting and bowling continues to hurt their campaign.
2. Cameron Green finally delivers with the bat
After a relatively quiet start to the season, Cameron Green stepped up with a crucial knock. His 79 off 55 balls not only anchored the innings but also helped KKR recover from early trouble. The innings showcased his ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when required, making it a significant positive for KKR moving forward.
3. Shubman Gill takes the Orange Cap with a fine knock
GT skipper Shubman Gill once again led from the front with a match-winning 86. His composed yet aggressive innings ensured a smooth chase and also helped him claim the Orange Cap. Gill’s consistency at the top has been a major factor in GT’s success this season.
GT vs KKR: Who Said What?
Ajinkya Rahane, KKR captain
“As you said, it’s never easy to come out and talk immediately after losing a game. But I’d like to focus on the positives. The way we started, losing three wickets early, it was tough. Cameron Green’s innings was outstanding, he was under pressure, but the way he counterattacked and took on their bowlers was amazing to see.
At 147 for 4, getting to around 180 was slightly difficult for us as a batting unit. But credit to our bowlers, the way they bowled and took the game till the last over, everyone contributed really well. I thought he (Gill) batted really well. The lengths we bowled were slightly on the shorter side, and the ball was coming onto the bat nicely when pitched up. There was also a bit of dew. But again, no excuses, 180 was a decent total. We needed wickets in the powerplay, but they batted beautifully. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill were excellent.
The powerplay was crucial, but I still want to credit our bowlers. It’s not easy when things aren’t going your way, but they kept coming back and pushing hard. He (Green) was actually struggling with cramps, which is why he was in and out of the field. That’s the reason he didn’t bowl. It’s all about staying in the moment.
When things aren’t going your way, you tend to overthink. We just need to focus on the present, go out there, enjoy the game, and back ourselves as a unit instead of worrying about things beyond our control. As a team, we just want to play our game, be aggressive and positive from ball one.“
Shubman Gill, GT captain & Player of the Match
“Honestly I don’t think it matters, all that matters is the win. Ideally we would have liked to finish it at least a couple of overs before. I should have been there to finish it, hopefully next time I will be there. The way both of them were bowling, it felt they could get a wicket every ball, it was a decision.
I asked both of them, it is very hot and it is difficult to bowl three overs on the trot. They took the game away from us in the middle overs, but it was important to still to take wickets, they have a long batting line-up, I think Sunil Narine came in at number 9, but still to have that mindset of taking wickets is important. Fitness was one thing I worked on, apart from that working on the mental aspect of the game.“
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