GT vs KKR IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans registered an impressive victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 25 of IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The contest turned into a spectacle filled with missed opportunities, dramatic moments, and a standout performance from Cameron Green, whose innings grabbed headlines for more than one reason.

DRS Saves Cameron Green Early

Cameron Green got an early lifeline in the fifth over thanks to a successful DRS review. Mohammed Siraj delivered a sharp bouncer that was collected by the wicketkeeper, prompting a strong appeal for a caught behind. The umpire initially ruled Green out, but the batter opted for a review. Replays confirmed there was no contact with the bat, and the decision was overturned, allowing Green to continue his innings.

Green’s Six Strikes the Display Car

One of the most eye-catching moments came in the 13th over when Green smashed a towering six off a slower delivery from Ashok Sharma. The ball sailed over mid-wicket and struck the display Tata Sierra car stationed inside the stadium. The impact left a visible mark on the vehicle and triggered a charitable donation of five lakh rupees, a tradition linked with such hits during the tournament.

Missed Chances Cost KKR Dearly

Kolkata Knight Riders were left to regret multiple missed opportunities in the field. In the 14th over, Washington Sundar failed to hold onto a relatively straightforward catch at square leg after Green mistimed a sweep shot off Rashid Khan. Just a ball earlier, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler had also missed a difficult chance behind the stumps. At the time of the dropped catch, Green was already on 62, making the errors even more costly.

Buttler Misses a Crucial Stumping

The missed chances continued into the final over when Jos Buttler failed to complete a stumping. Rashid Khan bowled a fuller-length delivery, and Green stepped out attempting a big shot but missed it entirely. The ball slipped past Buttler and raced away for a boundary. Green eventually capitalized on these lifelines, scoring 79 runs before being dismissed.

Expensive Over from Anukul Roy

Earlier in the innings, Anukul Roy endured a tough outing during the powerplay. Bowling the third over, the left-arm spinner conceded 20 runs, including three sixes. Shubman Gill initiated the attack with a clean hit over covers, followed by Sai Sudharsan striking two more maximums on the leg side, shifting momentum firmly in Gujarat’s favor.

Varun Chakravarthy Breaks the Drought

Varun Chakravarthy finally ended his wicketless run this season in the 10th over by dismissing Jos Buttler. Bowling a fuller delivery, Buttler attempted a big shot but was caught at long-on by Cameron Green. This marked Chakravarthy’s first wicket of IPL 2026 after going wicketless in previous matches. Interestingly, it was also his first-ever wicket against Gujarat Titans in the IPL, and the seventh time he has dismissed Buttler in T20 cricket.

In the 25th match of IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets in a competitive encounter. The result added further pressure on KKR, who are still searching for their first win of the season after playing six matches. While GT continued their strong momentum, KKR once again struggled to convert moments into a full match victory.

Cameron Green’s Impactful Batting Performance

One of the few positives for KKR in the match was the return to form of all-rounder Cameron Green. Batting under pressure after early wickets, Green played a powerful innings of 79 runs. His knock included controlled aggression and timely boundaries that helped KKR rebuild their innings. His performance was widely appreciated as it showed resilience and intent despite the team’s struggling situation.

Reason Behind Cameron Green Not Bowling

A major talking point after the match was Cameron Green’s absence from the bowling attack. Fans and analysts questioned why the all-rounder did not complete his bowling duties. After the match, captain Ajinkya Rahane clarified the situation, stating that Green was dealing with cramps during the game. Due to discomfort and reduced mobility, he had to move in and out of the field, which made it unsafe for him to bowl. This decision was taken as a precaution to avoid aggravating his condition.

Ajinkya Rahane’s Post-Match Reflections

Rahane also spoke about the overall performance of the team and focused on the positives despite the defeat. He praised Green’s batting effort and highlighted the fighting spirit shown in the middle overs. According to him, even in difficult situations, the team showed intent and tried to stay aggressive. Rahane admitted that close losses have been disappointing but stressed that the team must stay composed and learn from these moments.

Future Strategy for KKR

Looking ahead, Rahane emphasized the importance of staying present and not overthinking past results. He encouraged the team to play with freedom, trust their skills, and enjoy the game. The focus, according to him, will be on maintaining a positive mindset and executing plans better as a unit. KKR aims to bounce back in upcoming matches with improved consistency in both batting and bowling departments.

Finch slams KKR strategy; calls for Cameron Green’s exclusion

Former captain advocates for Tim Seifert’s inclusion as winless Kolkata Knight Riders struggle to find balance in IPL 2026.

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has issued a scathing assessment of Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) current campaign, urging the franchise to look beyond Cameron Green’s massive ₹25.2 crore price tag. Following a string of poor performances, Finch suggested that the team must prioritize form over auction value, advocating for the inclusion of New Zealand's Tim Seifert in the playing XI.

The critique follows KKR’s recent defeat to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Tuesday, a match that extended the Knights' dismal run in IPL 2026. With five matches played, KKR remains winless, managing only a solitary point courtesy of a rain-washed encounter.

Questioning the price tag

Finch’s primary point of contention lies in the selection philosophy of the KKR management. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, he emphasized that a player's auction price should not guarantee a spot in the XI if they are failing to deliver on the field.

“I don't think you ever pick a team on price tags. That would be really ignorant,” Finch stated. He noted that auction prices are a result of market supply and demand for specific skill sets, rather than a definitive metric of a player's current utility in a specific role.

Green’s struggle at six

A significant part of the criticism centered on Cameron Green’s positioning in the batting order. Green, who was dismissed for a golden duck against CSK by spinner Noor Ahmad, has been shuffled across the line-up throughout the season.

Green's scores this season—18, 2, 4, 32, and 0—reflect a lack of rhythm. Finch pointed out that playing Green at number six is a misuse of his talent, as the Australian all-rounder has historically performed best at the top of the order.

Spin concerns for KKR

The inability of the middle order to tackle quality spin was evident during the chase against Chennai. Green’s vulnerability against the turning ball has become a focal point for opposition analysts, further complicating KKR’s middle-overs transition.

Finch observed that Green has rarely occupied the number six slot in his T20 career. This lack of familiarity with the finisher's role is reportedly hampering both his individual confidence and the team's momentum during crucial phases of the game.

The Seifert alternative

With the current combination failing to yield results, Finch has proposed a radical change at the top. He described Tim Seifert as a "specialist opener" who provides the tactical variety KKR currently lacks.

Seifert, coming off a strong T20 World Cup, offers a range of innovative shots including scoops and ramps. Finch believes Seifert’s inclusion would provide a different challenge for bowlers who have recently found it easy to stifle KKR’s traditional opening pairs.

Inconsistent opening partnerships

The Knights have experimented heavily with their opening combination, but stability remains elusive. In the match against CSK, KKR opted for Finn Allen and Sunil Narine. While the Narine experiment was deemed "good" by Finch, Allen’s form remains a worry.

Allen’s season trajectory has been on a downward slide, with scores of 37, 28, 6, 9, and 1. The lack of a solid platform has forced the middle order into defensive play, as seen in the slow 50-run stand between Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Team management’s stance

Despite the mounting pressure, the KKR camp appears to be in an evaluative phase. Bowling coach Tim Southee acknowledged the team’s struggles, noting that losses often necessitate a rotation of the squad to test bench depth.

Southee indicated that the management is aware of the need for change but maintained that the tournament remains open. However, with the "Rivalry Week" approaching, the window for experimentation is rapidly closing for the Kolkata-based franchise.

Crucial Ahmedabad fixture

KKR’s next challenge comes against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad tomorrow. The match is being viewed as a "must-win" to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and to restore faith in a squad that has looked tactically disjointed.

As per latest news today, the focus remains on whether the management will heed Finch’s advice. A failure to adapt in Ahmedabad could signal an early exit for the two-time champions in what is becoming a forgettable IPL 2026 season.

IPL 2026 to Be Biggest Season Yet; Full Schedule Awaited as New Rules Take Centre Stage

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin on March 28, marking the largest season in the tournament's history with a new format of 16 matches per team and a host of regulatory changes.

The season will run until May 31, featuring 74 league matches and 10 playoff games across 13 cities. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed the timeline, the complete schedule remains in flux due to the impending Assembly elections in several states.

Schedule Delay Due to Elections

According to sources within the BCCI, the full fixture list is being held up because of the Assembly elections scheduled in five states during April and May. Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam—key states that host IPL matches—are among those going to the polls. As a result, the league has only released the itinerary for the first 20 matches, which will be played from March 28 to April 12.

Ten Teams Set for Action

The tournament will see the participation of all ten franchises. The lineup includes Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Gujarat Titans.

Playoffs Window Confirmed

Although the exact dates for the playoffs are subject to the final schedule release, the BCCI has confirmed that the championship final will be held in Bengaluru on May 31. Officials indicate that the first qualifier is likely to be on May 26, followed by the eliminator on May 27 and the second qualifier on May 29.

Venue Expansion and Return to Raipur

This season, matches will be played across 13 different cities, a wider spread compared to previous years. While seven teams have opted for a single home venue, Bengaluru, Punjab, and Rajasthan will have two home grounds each. Notably, after a 13-year gap, an IPL match is scheduled to be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, which will serve as a second home venue for RCB.

Stringent New Rules Introduced

The BCCI has introduced a set of strict regulations for the 2026 season aimed at ensuring discipline and security.

- Practice Restrictions: Teams have been barred from holding net practice on match days. Furthermore, teams cannot use the nets of another franchise, even if the pitch is vacant after the host team’s session.

- Travel and Security: Players are now mandated to travel only via the team bus. Family members have been restricted to the hospitality zone and will not be allowed in the dugout or on the field.

- Dress Code Enforcement: In a move to maintain broadcast standards, players awarded the Orange and Purple Caps must wear them during matches. Even if they wish to remove the cap while fielding, it must be worn for the first two overs of the innings. Sleeveless jerseys have been banned during post-match presentations.

RCB Enters as Defending Champion

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enters the season as the defending champion after clinching their maiden title last year. The franchise secured the 2025 trophy by defeating Punjab Kings in a tense final, winning by six runs.

Auction Recap and Broadcast Details

The IPL 2026 auction saw Australian all-rounder Cameron Green become the most expensive acquisition, with Kolkata Knight Riders securing his services for ₹25.20 crore. Among Indian uncapped players, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were picked up by Chennai Super Kings for ₹14.20 crore each.

Fans can catch all the action live on the Star Sports network, with digital streaming available on Jio Hotstar.