In a disappointing flip of occasions, Kolkata Knight Riders, led by Ajinkya Rahane, succumbed to a 39-run defeat by the hands of Gujarat Titans within the thirty ninth match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Regardless of some spirited particular person performances, KKR’s chase of a frightening 199-run goal fell aside underneath the strain of Gujarat’s scientific bowling and explosive batting.
The Titans, on the again of Shubman Gill’s beautiful 90 and Sai Sudharsan‘s stable 52, posted a difficult 198/3 of their 20 overs. In reply, KKR’s batting was by no means capable of collect momentum, and regardless of Rahane’s gritty 50, they have been bowled out for simply 159/8, falling effectively in need of the goal. The Titans’ well-rounded group efficiency ensured that KKR by no means bought near the goal, sealing the win with ease and placing them firmly within the driver’s seat for the rest of the season.
Gujarat Titans’ explosive batting lifts them to a robust 198/3 whole at Eden Gardens
The Titans set the tone early, with their openers placing up a stable basis. Gill was in effective kind, taking part in a sensational knock of 90 off 55 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and three sixes. His captaincy confirmed management as he paced his innings to perfection, constructing a gradual partnership with Sudharsan, who contributed 52 runs off 36 balls. The center overs noticed some fireworks as Jos Buttler continued his sizzling streak, ending unbeaten on 41 from 23 balls, together with 8 boundaries. Gujarat’s whole of 198/3 in 20 overs was constructed on managed aggression and cautious shot choice. Rahul Tewatia’s unlucky dismissal for a duck added little to the rating, however Shahrukh Khan‘s quick-fire 11 not out stored the momentum going. KKR’s bowlers struggled to comprise the circulate of runs, with Harshit Rana and Andre Russell being the one ones to assert wickets. Vaibhav Arora additionally bowled a good spell however couldn’t take any wickets.
Additionally WATCH: IPL 2025: Rinku Singh pulls off a panoramic catch to take away Shubman Gill for 90 throughout KKR vs GT conflict
KKR’s chase falters regardless of Ajinkya Rahane’s resilience
Chasing a goal of 199, KKR began their innings in disastrous vogue. Early wickets fell rapidly, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz being trapped LBW by Mohammed Siraj for simply 1. Sunil Narine (17) and Venkatesh Iyer (14) additionally did not convert their begins, leaving KKR at 43/3 by the sixth over. Nonetheless, Rahane supplied some stability with a well-crafted 50 off 36 balls, together with 5 fours and a six. His efforts stored KKR within the sport, however with wickets tumbling at common intervals, the chase was all the time underneath strain.
The center order collapsed as Russell (21) and Ramandeep Singh (1) fell cheaply. Regardless of the late cost from Rinku Singh, who made a quick-fire 17 from 14 balls, KKR’s probabilities of chasing down the goal slipped away. The true injury was completed by Gujarat’s bowlers, with Rashid Khan (2/25) and Prasidh Krishna (2/25) taking key wickets and preserving the strain on all through. KKR’s ultimate whole of 159/8 was by no means going to be sufficient, and Gujarat secured a snug 39-run victory to take the complete 2 factors.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
This goes again to the 24 crore blunder Venky Mysore made within the public sale. KKR has misplaced out on so many good gamers that will probably be tough to fill these spots over the following two years.
– Venky Mysore ought to resign himself for this blunder! pic.twitter.com/9LZ1E75alV
— KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) April 21, 2025
No pitch. Simply poor batting and bowling. That’s KKR’s story to this point tonight. They should look inward and cease choosing on popularity. @RevSportzGlobal
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) April 21, 2025
KKR batting line up is a joke. Wdym you have got Moeen Ali at 8 and Raghuvanshi at 9? 😭 worst half is that they’re struggling to cross 150 whereas chasing at residence with that lengthy of a batting line up.
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) April 21, 2025
WE SACRIFICED THE WIN BY PUSHING OUR MOST IN FORM BATTER RAGHUVANSHI SO THAT THE OTHER CAN COME BACK IN FORM.
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) April 21, 2025
Andre Russel has been an incredible servant of the sport and for KKR but it surely’s time KKR look past him.
He’s not the identical participant anymore, and there are higher and extra fearsome strikers of the ball than him within the sport now #KKRvsGT #KKRvGT pic.twitter.com/OdMHlSXTDZ
— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) April 21, 2025
At this level KKR ought to truly thank Eden curator for not making spin pleasant pitches. Not one of the excessive worth buys and retentions within the batting lineup may even play spin.
— The Educated Moron (@EducatedMoron) April 21, 2025
KKR ought to simply give the two factors to GT…
No intent in any respect, simply losing time now.— Atul (@tiwariaatul) April 21, 2025
MI betrayed us among the many Backside Bros. Hopefully KKR will be part of us. 💜💛
— Foolish Level (@FarziCricketer) April 21, 2025
KKR, the defending champions, look set to compete with CSK for the underside of the IPL desk pile. They’re taking part in like absconding champions.
Venkatesh Iyer and ARus are white elephants this 12 months. The center has caved in. @KKRiders
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) April 21, 2025
Aside from Naraine, all of KKR’s retentions have sucked rotten eggs this 12 months.
— Amit Behere (@_amitbehere) April 21, 2025
Andre Russell has bowled round 8 overs and brought 6 wickets on this season. Extremely under-utilised by Rahane.
— Manya (@CSKian716) April 21, 2025
Gujarat Titans Clinch Victory by 39 Runs!
A dominant efficiency from Gujarat Titans as they outclass KKR at Eden Gardens! 💥#Cricket #IPL #IPL2025 #KKRvGT pic.twitter.com/2sPwBsjV2C
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 21, 2025
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Danny Morrison teases Shubman Gill with ‘marriage’ remark throughout KKR vs GT conflict