Kolkata Knight Riders kept their qualification hopes alive with a massive win against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026. It was a fine performance from the home side. Kolkata Knight Riders were buffing first and lost the early wicket of Rahane. Finn Allen smashed a half century and Raghuvanshi along with Green provided them with the perfect finish to help them post 247/3 at the end of the first innings. Chasing the target, Gujarat Titans lost an early wicket but Gill and Buttler kept them in the game with fifties but it was too big an equation in the end as they lost by 29 runs.
KKR 247/2 (Finn Allen 93, Sai Kishore 1/38) beat GT 218/5 (Gill 84, Narine 2/29)
Angkrish Raghuvanshi: Yes I did, especially because we won (enjoyed that innings?). Got so easy for me, just had to give him (Allen) strike and watch from the other end. That was my role at the start of the innings. I'm not used to the keeping duties, it's taking everything out of me. The score says it all, I thought it was a great surface. Hope we can play on these surfaces every game. They have to kick me out of the nets, I play a lot of balls. Ever since I was a kid, my coach Abhishek Nayar has gotten me used to hitting 1000 balls a day.
Shubman Gill | GT captain:
Looking at the wicket, 200-210 was par score but we dropped too many catches. Pitch was good, the odd one was stopping but I felt we batted well to get to the score we did. No concerns but our fielding could've been a lot better. We set a certain standard and dropping 3 sitters - we didn't deserve to win this one. Looking at it that way, best to have a game like this now than in the Qualifiers. I think rest and recover for a couple of days, travel back to Ahmedabad, see how the wicket is and then plan accordingly (for the next game).
Rahane | KKR captain:
Very good game, really happy with two points. Amazing to see Allen, Angkrish and Green's knocks. Credit goes to these batters. Preparation always has been fantastic. Talk was all about taking one game at a time. Intent was amazing, don't forget they're a quality bowling attack, was amazing to see batters going out there and dominating. It's all about trusting their ability. All these guys have been doing well in domestic season. Saurabh Dubey played well in Vidarbha league. When he came here, all coaches thought he had the talent. Credit to these guys who have been doing well, working hard, it's all about belief and confidence. Makes my job easy when you know Sunil Narine is in the team. Varun was struggling but credit to him as well. The courage to play with a sore foot.
Sunil Narine | Player of the Match:
It comes with hard work. Guys have been training really well, putting in the hard yards and it's showing. Hope it continues no matter what the tournament has in store for us. It's all about planning what is in front of you. Every game brings a different challenge. All about trying to win the scenarios and try not to overthink. Being a senior guy and God given me the talent and health to play 200, hopefully I play many more.
