How KKR can still qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs after heavy losses against Gujarat Titans

The possibilities of Kolkata Knight Riders reaching the IPL 2025 playoffs were given a large -scale shock as Ajinkya Rahane -led side slipped to Kolkata on Monday for a loss of 39 runs against Gujarat Titans. This was KKR’s fifth defeat in 8 matches as he is currently at seventh position in the IPL table with 6 points. After this loss, KKR will have to win all of their remaining six matches to guarantee their location in the playoffs. However, they can still qualify if they win 5 of their remaining 6 matches, but in that scenario, the net run rate and other team results can play a big role. If KKR wins 4 more matches in IPL 2025, they will all be out of the playoff race, but a little chance will remain mathematically.

Prasad Krishna and Rashid Khan took two wickets in a disciplined bowling performance to win a 39 -run win of Gujarat Titans over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Monday. Clinical victory also means that the GT points maintain their top ranking in the points table.

After Captain Shubman Gill’s excellent 55-ball 90, B 52 of B Sai Reformson and 41 of Jose Butler helped GT in a competitive 198/3 on a slow pitch, Krishna and Rashid were standout players in a tireless bowling performance, as KKR never watched to complete the chase and ended in 159/8.

The change of KKR in the top-order did not work as Mohammad Siraj implicated Rahmanullah Gurbaz LBW in the opening over, as well as a review. Ajinkya Rahane continued his good run by flicking, ramping, flat-betting and driving to bring four quick borders.

Although Sunil Narrene tried to be free leaving Siraj four and six from Siraj, he pulled the deep backward class from Rashid towards the leg, as KKR finished the power-play at 45/2. With a grazing grazing in holding the ball and playing, it meant that GT spinners were very disciplined in keeping KKR on a tight lease, as they did not accept a range from 5–10 overs.

Rahane finally got a step when he pulled Washington Sundar Vashington Sundar for four and six. Venkatesh Iyer R. Sai, despite leaving for a deeper mid-can-verse from Kishore, Rahane proceeded to bring fifty off 36 balls. Shortly after, he reached a sharp -wide ball from Washington Sundar, but recalled it and was duly stumped by Jose Butler.

Although Andre Russell worked hard to achieve his boundaries, he fell without doing a lot with Rampandeep Singh and Moin Ali – two of which were obtained by Krishna – as the match eventually moved to GT’s favor.

(With IANS input)