In a disappointing turn of events, Kolkata Knight Riders, led by Ajinkya Rahane, succumbed to a 39-run defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans in the 39th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Despite some spirited individual performances, KKR’s chase of a daunting 199-run target fell apart under the pressure of Gujarat’s clinical bowling and explosive batting.
The Titans, on the back of Shubman Gill’s stunning 90 and Sai Sudharsan‘s solid 52, posted a challenging 198/3 in their 20 overs. In reply, KKR’s batting was never able to gather momentum, and despite Rahane’s gritty 50, they were bowled out for just 159/8, falling well short of the target. The Titans’ well-rounded team performance ensured that KKR never got close to the target, sealing the win with ease and putting them firmly in the driver’s seat for the remainder of the season.
Gujarat Titans’ explosive batting lifts them to a strong 198/3 total at Eden Gardens
The Titans set the tone early, with their openers putting up a solid foundation. Gill was in fine form, playing a sensational knock of 90 off 55 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and 3 sixes. His captaincy showed leadership as he paced his innings to perfection, building a steady partnership with Sudharsan, who contributed 52 runs off 36 balls. The middle overs saw some fireworks as Jos Buttler continued his hot streak, finishing unbeaten on 41 from 23 balls, including 8 boundaries. Gujarat’s total of 198/3 in 20 overs was built on controlled aggression and careful shot selection. Rahul Tewatia’s unfortunate dismissal for a duck added little to the score, but Shahrukh Khan‘s quick-fire 11 not out kept the momentum going. KKR’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Harshit Rana and Andre Russell being the only ones to claim wickets. Vaibhav Arora also bowled a tight spell but couldn’t take any wickets.
Also WATCH: IPL 2025: Rinku Singh pulls off a breathtaking catch to remove Shubman Gill for 90 during KKR vs GT clash
KKR’s chase falters despite Ajinkya Rahane’s resilience
Chasing a target of 199, KKR started their innings in disastrous fashion. Early wickets fell quickly, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz being trapped LBW by Mohammed Siraj for just 1. Sunil Narine (17) and Venkatesh Iyer (14) also failed to convert their starts, leaving KKR at 43/3 by the 6th over. However, Rahane provided some stability with a well-crafted 50 off 36 balls, including 5 fours and a six. His efforts kept KKR in the game, but with wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the chase was always under pressure.
The middle order collapsed as Russell (21) and Ramandeep Singh (1) fell cheaply. Despite the late charge from Rinku Singh, who made a quick-fire 17 from 14 balls, KKR’s chances of chasing down the target slipped away. The real damage was done by Gujarat’s bowlers, with Rashid Khan (2/25) and Prasidh Krishna (2/25) taking key wickets and keeping the pressure on throughout. KKR’s final total of 159/8 was never going to be enough, and Gujarat secured a comfortable 39-run victory to take the full 2 points.
Here’s how fans reacted:
This goes back to the 24 crore blunder Venky Mysore made in the auction. KKR has lost out on so many good players that it will be difficult to fill those spots over the next two years.
– Venky Mysore should resign himself for this blunder! pic.twitter.com/9LZ1E75alV
— KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) April 21, 2025
No pitch. Just poor batting and bowling. That’s KKR’s story so far tonight. They need to look inward and stop picking on reputation. @RevSportzGlobal
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) April 21, 2025
KKR batting line up is a joke. Wdym you have Moeen Ali at 8 and Raghuvanshi at 9? 😭 worst part is they’re struggling to cross 150 while chasing at home with that long of a batting line up.
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) April 21, 2025
WE SACRIFICED THE WIN BY PUSHING OUR MOST IN FORM BATTER RAGHUVANSHI SO THAT THE OTHER CAN COME BACK IN FORM.
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) April 21, 2025
Andre Russel has been a great servant of the game and for KKR but it’s time KKR look beyond him.
He’s not the same player anymore, and there are better and more fearsome strikers of the ball than him in the game now #KKRvsGT #KKRvGT pic.twitter.com/OdMHlSXTDZ
— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) April 21, 2025
At this point KKR should actually thank Eden curator for not making spin friendly pitches. None of the high price buys and retentions in the batting lineup can even play spin.
— The Educated Moron (@EducatedMoron) April 21, 2025
KKR should just give the 2 points to GT…
No intent at all, just wasting time now.— Atul (@tiwariaatul) April 21, 2025
MI betrayed us among the Bottom Bros. Hopefully KKR will join us. 💜💛
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 21, 2025
KKR, the defending champions, look set to compete with CSK for the bottom of the IPL table pile. They are playing like absconding champions.
Venkatesh Iyer and ARus are white elephants this year. The middle has caved in. @KKRiders
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) April 21, 2025
Other than Naraine, all of KKR’s retentions have sucked rotten eggs this year.
— Amit Behere (@_amitbehere) April 21, 2025
Andre Russell has bowled around 8 overs and taken 6 wickets in this season. Highly under-utilised by Rahane.
— Manya (@CSKian716) April 21, 2025
Gujarat Titans Clinch Victory by 39 Runs!
A dominant performance from Gujarat Titans as they outclass KKR at Eden Gardens! 💥#Cricket #IPL #IPL2025 #KKRvGT pic.twitter.com/2sPwBsjV2C
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 21, 2025
Also READ: IPL 2025: Danny Morrison teases Shubman Gill with ‘marriage’ comment during KKR vs GT clash
