Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a fifth consecutive defeat after going down to Gujarat Titans by five wickets in Ahmedabad, with captain Ajinkya Rahane urging his side to stay positive and embrace the difficult phase.
Ahmedabad, April 18:
Kolkata Knight Riders’ difficult start to the IPL 2026 season worsened on Friday after the three-time champions slipped to their sixth match without a win, losing to Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Despite posting 180/8 on a batting-friendly surface, KKR were unable to defend the total as Gujarat completed a composed chase. The defeat leaves Kolkata rooted to the bottom of the points table and under growing pressure ahead of their next fixture.
Rahane Urges Team to Stay Mentally Strong
Speaking after the match, captain Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged the disappointment of the continued losing streak but stressed the need for resilience.
Rahane said the team must learn to accept difficult phases and continue approaching matches with confidence and a positive mindset.
He noted that repeated defeats can easily lead to negative thinking, but insisted the squad must focus on gradual improvement and take the tournament one game at a time.
Batting Falls Short of Expected Target
KKR chose to bat first with the intention of putting up a total closer to 200, a score considered competitive on the flat Ahmedabad wicket.
However, the innings lost momentum during the middle overs, restricting the side to 180/8. While the total gave the bowlers something to work with, it ultimately proved below par against a strong Gujarat batting lineup.
Rahane singled out Cameron Green for special praise after the all-rounder played a key role in stabilising the innings and helping KKR reach 180.
Green’s knock provided much-needed resistance at a time when wickets were falling, and his contribution was seen as one of the few positives for Kolkata from the match.
Concerns Over Powerplay Bowling Continue
A major concern for KKR remains their performance with the ball in the powerplay.
Rahane admitted that the side’s opening bowlers are relatively inexperienced, particularly in pressure situations on high-scoring pitches. He nevertheless backed the young pace unit, saying the bowlers are putting in the effort and actively looking for breakthroughs.
Players including Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi and Vaibhav Arora have come under scrutiny during the losing run, but the captain defended their commitment and work ethic.
Injury Worry Adds to Pressure
KKR’s problems were compounded by a fitness concern for Cameron Green, who was unable to bowl because of cramps.
The development further limited the team’s tactical options and added to the challenges facing the side during a crucial phase of the tournament.
Immediate Test Against Rajasthan Royals
There is little time for Kolkata to regroup.
The team returns home within the next 48 hours for a crucial clash against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens, a match that could prove pivotal in shaping the remainder of their campaign.
For Rahane and his squad, the focus now shifts from reflection to response. A positive result in Kolkata could help restore confidence, while another defeat would deepen concerns over KKR’s IPL 2026 campaign.
inputs and images : Hindustan samachar
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Edited By D.Rishidhar Reddy
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