Kolkata Knight Riders delivered a dominant performance at Eden Gardens on Saturday, routing Gujarat Titans by 29 runs. The win was built on three half-centuries, with Finn Allen, Cameron Green and Angkrish Raghuvanshi doing the heavy lifting as the hosts set a target the visitors struggled to chase down.
Raghuvanshi’s standout knock and the momentum shift
Raghuvanshi, a 21-year-old uncapped batter, turned the spotlight with an unbeaten 82 off 44 balls. His innings included four fours and seven sixes, and it played a major role in KKR finishing strongly after the platform was laid.
Speaking on JioHotstar’s “Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live” programme, former fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan suggested that Raghuvanshi still has another level to reach. He believes the young batter can influence games more consistently as he finds a new gear with time.
- McClenaghan said Raghuvanshi needs to “find another gear” to create greater impact.
- He also pointed to the possibility of Raghuvanshi opening, suggesting it could happen either later in the current season or “definitely next year.”
- McClenaghan compared the batter’s current rhythm to how Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill have moved through different gears, noting that Raghuvanshi was in “third gear” during this match but that it was still enough to win.
- He added that Raghuvanshi is improving every match and building confidence, while also praising the variety in his shot-making.
KKR’s innings: 247/2 driven by Allen and a big middle-overs push
Earlier, Gujarat Titans won the toss and asked KKR to bat first at Eden Gardens. KKR made an early start and quickly moved into a commanding position, even after captain Ajinkya Rahane departed for 14.
Finn Allen then took control, striking 93 off 35 balls, featuring four boundaries and 10 sixes. Alongside Raghuvanshi, he helped KKR forge a rapid 95-run partnership.
After Allen’s dismissal, Raghuvanshi reached a key milestone, recording his fifth fifty of the season. He accelerated during his 108-run stand with Cameron Green, pushing KKR towards a formidable total. In the end, KKR posted 247/2 in their 20 overs, with Raghuvanshi finishing unbeaten on 82* from 44 deliveries, again backed by four fours and seven maximums.
- KKR began with Ajinkya Rahane out for 14.
- Finn Allen made 93 off 35 balls (four fours, 10 sixes).
- Allen and Raghuvanshi combined for a 95-run stand.
- Raghuvanshi struck his fifth fifty of the season after Allen’s dismissal.
- Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green added 108 runs together.
- KKR finished on 247/2 in 20 overs, with Raghuvanshi 82* (44 balls; four fours, seven sixes).
How the chase unfolded: Gill and Buttler kept GT alive, but the finish slipped
During Gujarat’s reply, Sai Sudharsan retired hurt early, disrupting the rhythm of the chase. Despite that setback, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler formed a crucial stand that kept the equation alive.
Gill struck 85 off 49 balls, hitting five fours and seven sixes, while Buttler contributed 57 off 35 balls with five boundaries and two maximums. Their 128-run partnership helped Gujarat remain in the hunt.
However, once that duo were dismissed, GT were unable to sustain the required run-rate and their chase faded. Gujarat Titans ended on 218/4 in 20 overs, falling short of the target by 29 runs.
Key bowling impact and points table update
Sunil Narine produced the decisive bowling spell for KKR, finishing with figures of 2/29. His performance earned him the “Player of the Match” award.
The result reshaped the standings slightly. Gujarat Titans sit in second place with eight wins and five defeats, collecting 16 points. Kolkata Knight Riders are positioned seventh, with five wins, six losses and one no result, giving them 11 points.
- Sunil Narine: 2/29, Player of the Match.
- GT finished at 218/4 in 20 overs.
- KKR won by 29 runs.
- GT points: 16 (2nd place; 8 wins, 5 losses).
- KKR points: 11 (7th place; 5 wins, 6 losses, 1 no result).
Raghuvanshi’s season numbers entering the game
Raghuvanshi has been KKR’s most productive batter this season. Heading into this match, he was the leading run-scorer for the franchise with 422 runs at an average of 42.20 and a strike rate of 146.53. His power numbers included 19 sixes and 40 fours so far this year.
