The IPL 2026 race for the playoffs has intensified after Kolkata Knight Riders produced a stunning turnaround to keep their qualification hopes very much alive. On Saturday, KKR shocked Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, with a 29-run victory that leaves them firmly in the mix for a top-four finish.
KKR’s comeback and the points picture
Kolkata began their campaign with five defeats in their opening matches, but they have since surged up the table. Heading into this latest game, KKR sit seventh with 11 points from 12 fixtures. Importantly, their distance from third-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad is only three points, meaning the margin for error is small but the opportunity is real. If KKR win both of their remaining matches, they can finish on 15 points, and—depending on how other results unfold—they still have a pathway into the playoffs.
Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, have retained a strong position in the standings. The Titans remain second with 16 points from 12 matches, and they are close to sealing a playoff berth. A single win in either of their next two games should be enough to get them into the next stage.
KKR set the tone with a big total
- After being sent in, Finn Allen exploded from the start, striking at will and clearing the ropes repeatedly.
- Allen punished the bowlers with 10 sixes and four boundaries, compiling 95 runs off just 41 balls.
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi then continued the momentum, remaining unbeaten on 82 off 44 deliveries.
- Allen and Raghuvanshi combined to take KKR to 247 for 2 in their 20 overs, with Cameron Green supporting the finish by scoring 52 not out.
- In the chase, Gujarat Titans were ultimately held to 218 for 4, falling short despite a strong top-order effort.
Gujarat’s chase falls short despite standout knocks
In response, Gujarat relied heavily on their leaders. Skipper Shubman Gill played a determined innings of 85 off 49 balls, while Jos Buttler struck 57 from 35 deliveries. Opener Sai Sudharsan was initially retired hurt, but he returned to contribute 53 not out off 28 balls, keeping the chase alive at stages.
Bowling for KKR, Sunil Narine produced a key spell, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs. Saurabh Dubey also chipped in with one wicket. For Gujarat, Mohammed Siraj and Sai Kishore shared the breakthroughs, finishing with 1/50 and 1/38 respectively.
Brief scores
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Cameron Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85; Sunil Narine 2/29).
