Kolkata Knight Riders have turned the IPL playoffs race into a far tighter contest after their 29-run win over Gujarat Titans. The result pushed KKR to 11 points from 12 matches, while GT stayed second with 16 points from 13 games and still need one more win to secure a playoff place.
The updated points table now leaves several teams in contention for the remaining spots, with KKR’s late surge adding fresh pressure across the league. Their comeback stands out because they began with five losses in their first six matches, yet they are still in the hunt with two league games left.
KKR’s route remains narrow but alive
KKR can still reach 15 points if they win both of their remaining matches. That total may be enough only if other results go their way, but the gap to the teams above them is not large enough to rule them out.
The third-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad are only three points ahead, which keeps KKR’s outside chance intact. With the table so compressed, each remaining result now carries added weight for teams fighting around the cutoff line.
GT still control their fate
Gujarat Titans remain in a strong position despite the defeat, but they are not yet through. Their final league match has become decisive, and a win would take them into the playoffs without needing help from elsewhere.
Shubman Gill led GT’s chase with a 49-ball 85, while Jos Buttler added a quick 35-ball 57. Sai Sudarsan also made a valuable contribution after returning from being retired hurt, finishing unbeaten on 53 from 28 balls.
Allen and Raghuvanshi power KKR’s huge total
KKR’s victory was built on a dominant batting display that set up a daunting target. Finn Allen smashed 93 off 35 balls, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi finished unbeaten on 82 from 44 balls as KKR reached 247 for 2.
Allen hit 10 sixes and four boundaries, while Raghuvanshi added another big stand with Cameron Green, who made 52 not out. That second partnership of 108 off 53 balls kept KKR firmly ahead after the platform had already been set by Allen and Raghuvanshi.
GT’s chase falls short despite strong batting
GT responded well for much of the innings, but the required rate stayed high throughout the chase. They closed on 218 for 4, which left KKR with a crucial 29-run win and kept the playoff picture open.
Sunil Narine made the difference with the ball for KKR, taking 2 for 29, while Saurabh Dubey picked up one wicket. For GT, Mohammed Siraj finished with 1 for 50 and Sai Kishore took 1 for 38, but their attack could not contain KKR’s top-order firepower.
The playoff equation now hinges on the final league matches, with KKR needing maximum points and favorable results elsewhere, while GT still have the clearest path through one last win. As the table stands, the race remains open enough for multiple teams, and KKR’s upset has ensured the closing phase will be watched closely.
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