Another IPL 2026 outing brought more misery for Kolkata Knight Riders, with Ajinkya Rahane’s side suffering yet another defeat. After six matches they are still without a win, sitting on a solitary point, and the road to the playoffs now looks like it will require both improvement on the field and a fair share of good breaks. On Friday in Ahmedabad, the same story played out again as KKR were beaten by Gujarat Titans by five wickets.
Green’s late momentum, but partnerships failed to materialise
There were flashes of encouragement for KKR, particularly Cameron Green, who finally began to look settled and was building toward a big score. However, despite the momentum, the innings never really took off because the rest of the batting group did not provide the kind of support needed when Green was nearing his milestone. Instead of sticking around to share the strike and build partnerships, wickets fell in quick succession, leaving the innings without structure from early on.
- When Green was in rhythm and close to reaching a century, other batters did not back him for long spells, which prevented any meaningful partnership from forming.
- The most substantial stand came between Green and Rovman Powell, but that partnership ended when Powell was dismissed in the 11th over for 27 off 20 balls.
- Anukul Roy, promoted after Powell’s exit, was caught behind for nine off seven deliveries in the 15th over.
- Rinku Singh, who is often central to KKR’s chances, was dismissed in the 16th over after attempting a big hit on his second ball, scoring just one.
- Ramandeep Singh managed 17 off eight balls, but his intent to attack cost him as he lost his wicket in the 17th over to Ashok Sharma.
- Sunil Narine, expected to add experience, also went for a major shot and was dismissed for a five-ball duck in the 18th over.
- Kartik Tyagi was run out in the 19th over, further tightening the noose on KKR’s innings.
By the time the final over arrived, Green had the clearest chance to salvage something meaningful—yet the closing sequence turned chaotic. Rashid Khan began the over with two tight dot balls. Green then took a single, which surprised many because KKR were already at 175/9 and Arora was not in the batting line-up. Next, Arora’s leg-byes handed strike back. On the fifth delivery, a stumping chance was missed when the ball slipped past both the batter and wicketkeeper for four. On the last ball, Green edged the delivery to Buttler and departed for 79 off 55 as KKR were all out for 180.
Line-up changes and more batting setbacks
The match also featured a tweak at the top of the order: Tim Seifert came in to replace Finn Allen as an opener. The move did not pay off, as Seifert was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada for 19 off 14 balls. Captain Rahane, meanwhile, had a nightmare with the bat, falling for a golden duck.
KKR’s bowling struggles, with a late twist nearly forcing an extra game
KKR’s problems did not end with their batting. Their bowling effort was generally below par, even though Varun Chakaravarthy finally showed signs of form. The Indian spinner picked up two wickets across four overs, conceding 34 runs. Still, it was Ramandeep Singh’s late impact with the bat that became the standout moment overall, because it nearly dragged the contest into a Super Over.
Rahane on regrouping and staying present
With the winless run continuing, Rahane will be looking for a way to reset the team’s approach quickly. Speaking after the match, he said, “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 yourself as a unit rather than thinking about the things which are not in your 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.”
