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.