Last Updated on 21 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season is not at its halfway stage yet, but Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are near must-win territory. Their only point is via a washout against high-flying Punjab Kings, with a host of disappointing defeats summing up their campaign to date.

KKR have never endured a start as bad as this. They travel to Ahmedabad today to take on Gujarat Titans (GT) who have found some form. Can Finn Allen find his best form? What about Cameron Green? Also, can the KKR bowlers – especially the wicketless Varun Chakravarthy – match GT’s efficiency? These are just some of the questions Ajinkya Rahane’s team face in this crunch match.

GT lost their first two games but came back strongly to win their last two matches. The bowlers have performed well, and Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler are in good touch. If Sai Sudharsan can get going, it makes GT even more dangerous.

However, the middle order remains a concern for GT. Glenn Phillips and Shahrukh Khan have not fired, and they need to as the Titans don’t possess the batting depth of other teams.

Prasidh Krishna is the current Purple Cap holder with 10 wickets in four games, while Rashid Khan is getting back to his best. Also, Ashok Sharma has been the find for them this season.

IPL 2026 25th Match: GT vs KKR Possible Playing XIIs

Kagiso Rabada hasn’t been in the best of form, and they might look to bring in Jason Holder for him, which will add to their batting depth as well.

Gujarat Titans: 1. Shubman Gill (c), 2. Sai Sudharsan, 3. Jos Buttler (wk), 4. Glenn Phillips, 5. Shahrukh Khan, 6. Washington Sundar, 7. Rahul Tewatia, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Kagiso Rabada/Jason Holder, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Ashok Sharma, 12. Prasidh Krishna

While Sunil Narine and Kartik Tyagi have bowled well, none of the other bowlers have shown promise till now. Varun Chakaravarthy is yet to pick his first wicket in IPL 2026. They might bring in Tim Seifert for Finn Allen in this match. This will be a very crucial game for the Knight Riders as they are yet to register their first win of the season. 

Kolkata Knight Riders: 1. Finn Allen/Tim Seifert, 2. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 3. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 4. Cameron Green, 5. Rovman Powell, 6. Rinku Singh, 7. Ramandeep Singh, 8. Sunil Narine, 9. Anukul Roy, 10. Vaibhav Arora, 11. Kartik Tyagi, 12. Varun Chakravarthy

Narendra Modi Stadium Ahmedabad Pitch Report and Weather

Narendra Modi Stadium is a good venue for batting. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, and there are a lot of sixes hit at this ground.

However, there will be something for the pacers, especially with the new ball. They’ll also look to hit the deck hard and bring the square boundaries in play. Spinners may also get some purchase off the deck.

Teams will look to chase, but teams batting first have won eight out of 10 games played here since IPL 2025.

It will be a clear day in Ahmedabad. There are no chances of rain during the game time. The temperature will be around 34 degrees Celsius when the game starts.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for MI vs PBKS: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper Picks:  

• Jos Buttler has been in terrific form in IPL 2026. He averages 44 at a strike rate of 158.55 with two fifties in four games. He averages 47 against KKR for his 518 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 148 and has two centuries. Buttler will be a top C/VC choice.
• Angkrish Raghuvanshi has 182 runs in five innings at an average of 45.50, striking at 155.55 with two fifties. He’s been the only in-form batter for KKR and will be a must in your fantasy teams.

Key batter picks: 

• Sai Sudharsan has 113 runs in four games, including a knock of 73. He’s failed to get going in the last few games, but he’s a quality batter and will fancy his chances against KKR’s struggling bowling unit.
• Shubman Gill is averaging 55 for his 165 runs in three games. He has two half-centuries as well. He averages 52.60 at Ahmedabad in the IPL at a strike rate of 162, including 5 fifties and 3 centuries at the venue. Gill will be the best C/VC pick.
• Rovman Powell has 70 runs in the two games that he has played at a strike rate of nearly 153. Powell is the in-form batter for KKR in the middle order and he’s been in sublime form as well. He’ll be a top differential pick.

Top all-rounder picks: 

• Cameron Green is likely to bat in the top four in this game and may bowl an over or two. He will hit the deck hard and should enjoy bowling at this venue. Despite his poor form, Green can be a valuable Dream11 pick.
• Sunil Narine opened the batting in the last game, and he’s been in top form with the ball. He may not open in this game but he will pose a serious threat to GT’s middle order and can pick up 2-3 wickets in this match.

Key bowler picks: 

• Rashid Khan has been in great form in the last couple of games. He will fancy his chances against KKR’s struggling batting unit and can go through them in this match. Rashid is capable with the bat as well and will be a must pick.
• Prasidh Krishna will be a top C/VC choice for this game. He is picking up wickets consistently and has been the best bowler for GT. He uses his pace and hard length to perfection and can unsettle KKR’s batting unit.

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

• Tim Seifert (if plays)
• Finn Allen (if plays)
• Washington Sundar
• Ajinkya Rahane
• Kartik Tyagi

For predictive analysis that could help guide you in creating your fantasy cricket teams, check out SPODA AI (AI Cricket Prediction & Match Analysis Tool) below. If you sign up, you will receive 3 FREE match passes to start.

Other Matchups and Facts 

• Head-to-Head: 5 matches; GT 3 and KKR 2.
• Shubman Gill vs. Sunil Narine (T20s): 35 runs, 2 dismissals in 24 deliveries.
• Rovman Powell vs. Rashid Khan (T20s): 28 runs, 3 dismissals in 42 deliveries.
• Jos Buttler vs. Varun Chakaravarthy (T20s): 61 runs, 2 dismissals in 36 deliveries.

IPL 2026 25th Match: GT vs KKR Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

IPL 2026 25th Match: GT vs KKR Match Prediction: Who will win?

Gujarat Titans, despite their overdependence on their top three batters, are favourites to win this game. KKR’s bowling has been below average, especially with Varun Chakaravarthy failing to pick wickets, and none of their bowlers look threatening to GT’s top three. 

Titans, on the other hand, have an in-form bowling unit that will pose a serious threat to KKR’s batting in this game.

Gujarat Titans to win.

For predictive analysis that could help guide you in creating winning fantasy cricket teams, check out SPODA AI (AI Cricket Prediction & Match Analysis Tool) below. If you sign up, you will receive 3 FREE match passes to start.

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