KKR made a change to their opening combination for the GT match by resting Quinton de Kock in favor of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, but the move backfired as Gurbaz was dismissed early for just 1 run.
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Rahane Calls Out Batting Woes After KKR’s Defeat to Gujarat Titans
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane didn’t mince words after his side’s 39-run loss to Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens, taking aim at the team’s repeated top-order failures. Chasing a stiff 199-run target, KKR faltered once again, with only Rahane offering resistance through a gritty half-century off 36 balls. Despite a strong bowling effort that restricted GT to under 200, KKR’s batting unit failed to rise to the occasion.
The decision to bring in Rahmanullah Gurbaz in place of Quinton de Kock backfired, as he managed just one run, while Sunil Narine could only contribute 17, both departing early in the powerplay. Rahane admitted that a good start was crucial and lamented the lack of consistency from the opening batters throughout the tournament.
“I thought 199 was chaseable, we came back into the game really well with the ball. When you’re chasing 199, you expect a good opening start with the batters—that’s where we are struggling throughout this tournament,” he said post-match.
The middle-order didn’t fare much better, with Venkatesh Iyer (14), Andre Russell (21), and Rinku Singh (17) failing to convert their starts. Rahane emphasized that the batting unit has been the weak link, while the bowlers have consistently performed well.
Fielding was another area of concern, as KKR dropped key chances that allowed GT batters to pile on runs. Rahane acknowledged the lapses and stressed the importance of intent and awareness on the field. “Fielding is a part I always believe we can control. If you can save 10–15 runs on the field, that’s always better for the team. It’s all about intent and attitude—you’ve got to be switched on throughout the 20 overs,” he said.
‘I back them completely’: Rahane on middle-order batters
Despite his sharp critique of KKR’s batting performance, skipper Ajinkya Rahane expressed unwavering faith in his team’s underperforming batting lineup. He acknowledged the ongoing issues but remained optimistic that a turnaround is on the horizon.
“If you’re not doing well, even if we get 1% better as a team, that’s very important,” Rahane said. “As a batting unit, you’ve got to be brave, take chances, and maintain a positive mindset. If you think about getting out, you’ll get out. If you think about getting runs, that’s what matters. I’m sure our batters are thinking that way.”