Gujarat Titans (GT) registered a five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match No. 25 of IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, April 17.
Electing to bat first, KKR scored a competitive score of 180 runs, but once again failed to take advantage of its start. Taking over the innings after the initial setbacks, Cameron Green played a good inning of 79 runs in 55 balls. Rovman Powell (20 of 27) and Ramandeep Singh (8 off 17) made useful contributions, but frequent fall of wickets meant that KKR could not take full advantage of the platform.
GT bowlers kept things under control with timely breakthroughs. Kagiso Rabada took three wickets, while Mohammed Siraj and Ashok Sharma took two wickets each to limit the visiting team to a score worthy of achieving the target.
In reply, Titans chased the target efficiently, scoring 181/5 in 19.4 overs. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a brilliant inning of 86 runs in 50 balls, while Jos Buttler (25 off 15) and Sai Sudarshan (22 off 16) provided solid starts. Contributions from Glenn Phillips and Rahul Tewatia ensured that the GT crossed the line comfortably.
talking points
1. KKR suffered its fifth defeat of the season
It was another disappointing trip for them KKR The loss marked their fifth this season. Despite posting competitive totals, their inability to capitalize on crucial moments, especially in the powerplay and middle overs, proved costly. Inconsistency in both batting and bowling is hurting their campaign.
2. Cameron Green finally showed wonders with the bat
After a relatively quiet start to the season, cameron green Proceeded with an important innings. His knock of 79 off 55 balls not only anchored the innings but also helped KKR recover from early trouble. This innings demonstrated his ability to withstand pressure and accelerate when needed, making it a significant positive for KKR going forward.
3.Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap by playing a brilliant innings.
GT captain Shubman Gill once again led from the front with a match-winning inning of 86 runs. His composed but aggressive innings ensured an easy 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
“Like you said, it's never easy to come out and talk immediately after losing a game. But I would like to focus on the positive things. The way we started, losing three wickets early, it was tough. Cameron Green had an excellent innings, he was under pressure, but the way he fought back and took on his bowlers was amazing to watch.
At 147 for 4, it was a bit difficult for us to get around 180 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 length we bowled was a little short and the ball was coming on the bat well when it pitched up. There was some dew also. But again, no excuses, 180 was a good score. We needed wickets in the powerplay, but he batted brilliantly. Sai Sudarshan And Shubman Gill was excellent.
The powerplay was important, but I still want to give credit to our bowlers. It's not easy when things don't go your way, but they kept coming back and working hard. He (Green) was really struggling with cramps, which is why he was in and out of the field. This is the reason why he did not bowl. It's all about living in the moment.
When things are not going your way, you start thinking more. We just need to focus on the present, go out there, enjoy the game and support ourselves as a unit rather than worrying about things beyond our control. As a team, we just want to play our game, be aggressive and positive from the first ball.“
Shubman Gill, GT Captain and Player of the Match
“To be honest, I don't think it matters, what matters is winning. Ideally we would have liked to finish it at least a few overs earlier. I should have been there to end it, hopefully next time I'll be there. The way both of them were bowling, it looked like they might get a wicket on every ball, it was a decision.
I Asked both of them, it is very hot and it is difficult to bowl three overs continuously. They took the game away from us in the middle overs, but it was still important to take wickets, they have a long batting line-up, I think Sunil Narine Came in at number 9, but it is still important to have the mindset of taking wickets. Apart from working on the mental aspect of the game, fitness was one thing I worked on.“
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