KKR failed to defend the total of 180 against GT in Ahmedabad.
Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) abysmal run in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season continued as they suffered a five-wicket defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday (April 17).
Opting to bat first, KKR struggled early on, falling to 32/3 in the powerplay. Cameron Green, KKR’s record signing for Rs 25.20 crore, played a standout counter-attacking innings, scoring 79 off 55 balls to help the visitors reach a total of 180/10 in 20 overs.
In reply, the Titans rode on skipper Shubman Gill’s 86 off 50 balls to overhaul the target with two deliveries to spare.
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane praised Green’s resilience and "positive impact" despite being under significant pressure due to his high price tag and recent form.
“It's never easy after immediately after losing the game and come and talk about the game. I thought I just want to talk positives, especially the way we started two-three wickets down. Cameron Green's innings, he was under pressure, but the kind of counter-attack he did, positive impact, what he made was amazing to see, going after their bowlers. As you, mentioned some time back, 147 for four, and from there, around 180 was slightly difficult from a batting unit, but credit to all our bowlers, the way they bowled, taking the game till the last over. Everyone contributed well,” Rahane said.
He credited Gill and Sai Sudharsan for their 57-run opening partnership, which laid the foundation for GT’s successful chase.
“Yeah, I thought he batted really well. I initially felt slightly back of length, ball was slightly holding, anything up front, half-vollies was coming nicely, slightly dew as well. But again, no excuse, as I said, 180, we needed wickets in the powerplay, they batted beautifully. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill batted beautifully.”
Despite the loss, Rahane praised his bowlers for their fighting spirit. “Powerplay was important, but I just want to talk the positive about our bowlers. It's never easy when things are not going your way, coming each and every time. We had three close games, but they've been bowling beautifully, and Cameron Green's form was amazing to see.”
KKR were able to push things to the final over with GT needing five runs. Rahane handed the ball to Ramandeep Singh, who was unable to defend it despite picking the wicket of Glenn Phillips.
Rahane confirmed that Green did not bowl because he was "struggling with cramps" and was in and out of the field during the second innings.
“He was actually struggling with his cramps. That's the reason he was in and out on the field as well. So that's the reason he didn't bowl.”
KKR have played six matches in the tournament so far, losing five and one game has produced no result due to rain playing spoilsport.
Rahane emphasized the need for the team to "be in the moment" and remain aggressive from "ball number one" as they look to turn their season around.
“I think it's all about being in the moment, you know. When things are not going your way, you tend to think too many things. I feel it's all about being in the moments. Just try and go out there, enjoy the game. Back ourself as a unit rather than thinking about the things which are not in our control. I think as a team, we just have to go out there, play our game. And that's what we wanted to do today. Just be aggressive, be positive from ball number one,” he concluded.