GT vs KKR Highlights, IPL 2026: Shubman Gill stars as Gujarat Titans secure comfortable five-wicket victory over KKR
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  • GT vs KKR Highlights, IPL 2026: Shubman Gill stars as Gujarat Titans secure comfortable five-wicket victory over KKR
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 18, 2026, 07:01:49 IST
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GT vs KKR Highlights, IPL 2026: Shubman Gill stars as Gujarat Titans secure comfortable five-wicket victory over KKR

GT vs KKR Highlights, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans delivered a clinical performance to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets in their IPL clash, built on a strong foundation from both their bowlers and batters. The match was effectively shaped in the powerplay, where Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj produced a high-quality new-ball spell to leave KKR reeling at 37 for 3. Rabada’s ability to extract movement and Siraj’s relentless accuracy proved too much for the top order, as Ajinkya Rahane fell for a golden duck and two more wickets followed quickly.

Despite the early collapse, Cameron Green played a lone hand for KKR with a well-compiled 79 off 55 balls. He anchored the innings through partnerships with Rovman Powell and Anukul Roy, even taking on Rashid Khan with authority during the middle overs. However, lack of support from the rest of the batting unit meant KKR could only reach 180, a total that always looked slightly below par on a good surface.

In response, Shubman Gill produced a masterclass in controlled aggression. From the outset, he dictated terms, timing the ball beautifully through the off side and straight down the ground. His 86 off 50 deliveries, decorated with eight fours and four sixes, ensured GT never fell behind in the chase. Sai Sudharsan added early stability, while Jos Buttler’s quick-fire cameo further strengthened the position.

Although KKR managed a few late wickets, including Gill’s dismissal, the damage had already been done. Gujarat Titans comfortably closed out the chase to secure a five-wicket win, marking their third victory of the season, while KKR’s struggles continued with another defeat.
19:06 (IST) Apr 17
GT vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Tim Seifert, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi
19:02 (IST) Apr 17
IPL Live Score: KKR opt to bat first against GT
Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and chose to bat first for Kolkata Knight Riders against Gujarat Titans.

With KKR searching for their first win of the season, the decision reflects a clear intent to put runs on the board and apply pressure early. On a batting-friendly surface, a strong start will be key if they are to challenge GT.
18:45 (IST) Apr 17
KKR vs GT Live Score, IPL 2026: Prasidh Krishna’s subtle variations turning into GT’s biggest weapon
Prasidh Krishna may not always grab the headlines, but his impact for Gujarat Titans this season has been hard to ignore.

The pacer has found a clear method that is working consistently. His slow, short-of-length deliveries have troubled batters, especially on grounds like Ahmedabad where the large square boundaries come into play. It is a tactic that has already paid off, playing a key role in both of GT’s victories so far.

What stands out even more is his consistency. Prasidh is currently among the joint-highest wicket-takers this season, underlining his ability to deliver breakthroughs at crucial moments.

In a bowling attack that includes names like Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh has arguably been the standout performer. His control over lengths and smart variations have allowed him to outshine more established names.

As the tournament progresses, his role could become even more vital. If he continues to execute his plans with the same precision, Prasidh might well remain GT’s most reliable wicket-taking option.
18:30 (IST) Apr 17
IPL Live Score: KKR wait on Rinku Singh spark as season hangs by a thread
Rinku Singh began IPL 2026 with added responsibility after being named vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders. But so far, that step up has not reflected in his performances with the bat.

In four innings, Rinku has managed just one six, with a strike rate of 120, numbers that fall well short of the impact he is known for. For a player who built his reputation on finishing games with fearless hitting, the lack of fluency has stood out.

As KKR’s campaign begins to slip, the need for a defining knock from Rinku becomes even more urgent. The team has struggled to close out innings strongly, an area where he has traditionally been their biggest asset.

There is, however, a sense of familiarity heading into this fixture. It is the same ground where Rinku produced that unforgettable final-over assault, smashing five consecutive sixes to seal a famous win.

KKR will hope that memory sparks something special again. Because if Rinku finds his rhythm, it could still change the course of their season.
18:15 (IST) Apr 17
GT vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR draw hope from Rinku Singh’s Ahmedabad miracle despite GT dominance
Gujarat Titans may lead the head-to-head 3-1, but Kolkata Knight Riders have one unforgettable memory to lean on.

It came at this very venue in 2023, when Rinku Singh produced a stunning finish, smashing five sixes in the final over against Yash Dayal to pull off one of the greatest chases in IPL history.

As the two sides meet again, KKR will hope to tap into that belief. While the numbers favour GT, moments like that remind them that one over can change everything.
18:00 (IST) Apr 17
KKR vs GT Live Score, IPL 2026: Sunil Narine, Rashid Khan lead spin dominance
In a season dominated by big scores, two spinners have quietly stood out for their control and consistency. Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan have been the most economical spinners in IPL 2026 among those who have bowled at least eight overs.

Narine has conceded runs at just 6.86 per over, while Rashid is right alongside him at 6.87. In a format where batters are constantly attacking, such numbers underline their value even more.

Both bowlers bring different strengths. Narine relies on subtle variations and accuracy, making it hard for batters to line him up. Rashid, on the other hand, combines pace with sharp turn, often forcing mistakes.

At a time when teams are struggling to control the middle overs, these two continue to set the benchmark.
17:45 (IST) Apr 17
IPL Live Score: Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans Squads
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Finn Allen, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Dahiya, Tim Seifert, Navdeep Saini, Rahul Tripathi, Sarthak Ranjan, Rachin Ravindra, Prashant Solanki, Blessing Muzarabani, Saurabh Dubey, Daksh Kamra, Umran Malik, Matheesha Pathirana

Gujarat Titans Squad: Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma, Prasidh Krishna, Shahrukh Khan, Manav Suthar, Jason Holder, Kulwant Khejroliya, Anuj Rawat, Nishant Sindhu, Gurnoor Brar, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Tom Banton, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Luke Wood, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma

17:30 (IST) Apr 17
IPL Live Score: Team selection headaches for KKR continue
Selection dilemmas have only added to the challenges faced by Kolkata Knight Riders. With multiple players suited for similar roles, finding the right balance has been difficult.

The potential inclusion of Tim Seifert could provide some stability, but it also raises further questions about team combination.

Meanwhile, players like Cameron Green continue to be under scrutiny, although dropping them may not be an immediate option.

These constant changes have affected team chemistry, making it harder to build momentum. With time running out, KKR need clarity more than anything else.
17:15 (IST) Apr 17
GT vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR’s bowling woes add to their problems
It is not just the batting that has troubled Kolkata Knight Riders this season. Their bowling attack has also failed to deliver consistently.

Injuries and lack of form have forced constant changes, preventing the team from building any rhythm. Even experienced players have struggled to contain runs.

While Varun Chakaravarthy has shown glimpses of control, the overall unit has lacked cohesion. Their seamers, in particular, have been expensive.

Against a strong GT batting lineup, these issues could be further exposed. Unless KKR find a way to tighten their bowling, their struggles are likely to continue.
17:00 (IST) Apr 17
KKR vs GT Live Score, IPL 2026: Ahmedabad pitch set for another run fest
The Narendra Modi Stadium has already shown signs of being a batting-friendly venue this season. The only game played here saw a high-scoring contest, and conditions are expected to remain similar.

For both Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders, this could turn into a test of batting depth.

While GT seem better equipped for such conditions, KKR’s inconsistent batting could once again be exposed. Their bowlers, too, will need to step up significantly to avoid another heavy defeat.

With clear skies and a fast outfield, fans can expect plenty of runs. The question is whether KKR can keep up.
16:45 (IST) Apr 17
IPL Live Score: Rashid Khan holds the key for GT
Few players influence a T20 game as consistently as Rashid Khan. For Gujarat Titans, he remains their most potent weapon, especially against a right-heavy KKR lineup.

Rashid’s ability to control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets makes him a key figure in this contest. His record against players like Rovman Powell further strengthens GT’s tactical advantage.

KKR’s struggles against spin only add to Rashid’s threat. If he finds rhythm early, it could derail their innings completely.

For GT, using Rashid at the right time could be the difference between maintaining control and losing momentum.
16:27 (IST) Apr 17
GT vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: Jos Buttler vs KKR bowlers could decide the game
The battle between Jos Buttler and the Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers could shape the outcome of this clash. Buttler has been in explosive form, particularly in the first ten balls of his innings.

KKR’s bowlers, on the other hand, have struggled to contain batters early on. Their inability to build pressure has allowed opposition teams to dominate the powerplay.

If Buttler gets going, it could once again put KKR on the back foot. However, his dismissal could shift momentum dramatically.

For KKR, the focus must be on disciplined lines and smarter field placements. Without that, stopping Buttler will remain a daunting task.
16:26 (IST) Apr 17
KKR vs GT Live Score, IPL 2026: Can KKR exploit GT’s middle-order weakness?
While Gujarat Titans look strong on paper, their middle order remains a potential weak link. If early wickets fall, the responsibility shifts to players who have not always delivered consistently.

For Kolkata Knight Riders, this could be a rare opportunity. Bowlers like Varun Chakaravarthy and Kartik Tyagi will need to strike early to expose that vulnerability.

However, executing this plan requires discipline, something KKR have struggled with this season. Their seamers have been expensive, often leaking boundaries at an alarming rate.

If KKR can apply pressure early, they might just find a way back into the contest. But given their current form, that remains a big question.
16:25 (IST) Apr 17
IPL Live Score: KKR’s batting puzzle continues to hurt them
The biggest concern for Kolkata Knight Riders has been their unsettled batting order. With too many players suited to opening roles, the team has struggled to create a stable middle order.

The decision to push Sunil Narine up the order has not delivered consistent results, while Ajinkya Rahane has often been left to deal with difficult match situations against spin.

This imbalance has exposed their lack of flexibility, particularly against quality spin attacks. It was evident in their recent outing where they failed to counter opposition spinners effectively.

Unless KKR find a settled combination soon, their campaign could continue to spiral. The upcoming clash against GT will once again test their ability to adapt under pressure.
16:25 (IST) Apr 17
KKR vs GT Live Score, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans build momentum at the right time
Gujarat Titans appear to be finding their groove just as the tournament begins to take shape. After a slightly inconsistent start, they now look more settled, thanks largely to the resurgence of Jos Buttler at the top.

Buttler’s aggressive intent in the powerplay, combined with the calm presence of Shubman Gill, has given GT a strong foundation. Add to that the ever-reliable Rashid Khan, and the Titans suddenly look like a balanced side.

However, questions remain about their middle order. If early wickets fall, the likes of Rahul Tewatia and others will need to step up under pressure. Against a desperate KKR, complacency could be costly.

This fixture presents an opportunity for GT to solidify their standing. With conditions in Ahmedabad favouring batting, their in-form top order could once again dictate terms.
16:24 (IST) Apr 17
GT vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2026: KKR’s season on the brink as GT clash looms
Kolkata Knight Riders find themselves in unfamiliar territory, staring at a disastrous start to IPL 2026 with just one point from five games. A team known for bouncing back has instead struggled to find any rhythm, especially with the bat. Constant experimentation, including promoting Sunil Narine to the top and reshuffling Ajinkya Rahane, has only added to the confusion.

The lack of quality spin-hitters has been glaring, particularly on surfaces that demand adaptability. Their bowling, weakened by injuries, has not been able to compensate either. With only Angkrish Raghuvanshi showing consistency, the burden on the rest has increased significantly.

Facing a rising Gujarat Titans unit next does not make things easier. GT’s bowling attack looks settled, and their top order is beginning to fire. For KKR, this match is less about tactics and more about survival. Another defeat could all but end their playoff hopes.
GT vs KKR Highlights, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans produced a dominant all-round performance to secure a convincing five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL on Friday. Kagiso Rabada (3/29) and Mohammed Siraj (2/23) set the tone with a fiery new-ball spell, dismantling KKR’s top order inside the powerplay and restricting them to a modest start despite Cameron Green’s fighting 79 off 55 balls.

Green stood tall amid the collapse, stitching useful partnerships with Rovman Powell and Anukul Roy, but received little support from the rest of the batting line-up as KKR were bowled out for 180. Rashid Khan also played a key role, striking at crucial moments and eventually dismissing Green in the final over.

In reply, Shubman Gill stole the show with a composed and authoritative 86, guiding GT’s chase with elegance and control. His innings, laced with eight fours and four sixes, ensured Gujarat Titans stayed ahead throughout. Sai Sudharsan provided early stability, while Jos Buttler’s quick cameo kept the momentum going after his arrival.

Despite a few wickets in the middle overs, KKR were unable to build sustained pressure as GT’s batting depth proved decisive. With this win, Gujarat Titans registered their third victory of the season, while KKR’s winless run continued in the tournament.