Welcome back to KKR's reply with the bat. The official IPL pet 'CHAMPAK' is ready to lead the way for the umpires and the players.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
For Kolkata Knight Riders, it was a challenging first innings with the ball. While they didnât bowl that poorly, their fielding let them down badly. A couple of misfields, lazy efforts, and a crucial dropped catch by Vaibhav Arora, that of Buttler, proved costly in the death overs. Despite all that, KKR managed to restrict Gujarat just under 200, which might be a small morale win heading into the chase. Now the big question - can KKR chase this down a target of 199? Their batting has been unde
Sai Sudharsan of GT is down for a chat. He starts by saying that the wicket was slow to begin with, and they found it difficult in the Powerplay, after which they tried to take the game deep. Mentions that he enjoys the company of Shubman Gill and the experience he brings with him. Adds that they knew the wicket was difficult to bat on and the main conversation was regarding keeping wickets in hand. Ends by saying that the batters have given a great total to the bowlers to defend.
At the other end, Shubman Gill looked in complete control, anchoring the innings with some eye-pleasing strokes. His knock of 90 off just 55 balls was filled with timing, placement, and elegance, and he kept one end secure till the final phase. Gill and Buttler together added 50 runs quickly, showing once again how deadly this GT top-order can be when in form. Buttler stayed till the end and ensured GT finished strong, pushing them beyond the 195-mark, which is more than competitive on this pit
They began cautiously, putting up 45 runs in the Powerplay, but the real acceleration came after that. Their partnership was built on smart rotation of strike, quick singles, well-run twos, and the occasional boundary to release pressure. The KKR bowlers were left searching for answers, and the fielders looked visibly frustrated as they just couldnât break the stand. Sai Sudharsan played a fluent knock of 52 off 36 balls before finally falling, but by then, the damage was already done. In wal
Gujarat Titans have put on a batting show in Kolkata, posting a massive total of 198/3 and walking back to the dressing room with all the momentum on their side. It was an authoritative display from their top order, who dominated the innings with smart cricket and clean hitting. The opening partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill was nothing short of a batting masterclass, as the duo stitched together a superb 114-run stand, both bringing up classy half-centuries.
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, A run out appeal, sent upstairs by the on-field umpire.
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, ! A freebie, and Shahrukh says, Thank you very much! Another full toss, outside off, Shahrukh Khan stays back and picks the bones out of it. He sails it over cow corner for a cracking six.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, Full toss, outside off, jabbed away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Buttler, and he moves to his 40s! Too full again from Vaibhav, outside off, Jos Buttler crouches a bit and shovels it through point, beating Ajinkya Rahane to his left on the dive. Rahane does get some fingertips on it, but the ball races away to the fence.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, ! Wow, that is a shot and a half! Vaibhav Arora is not too pleased with the position of Harshit Rana at deep backward point.Â
Who will bowl the final over? Will it be Vaibhav Arora or will it be Andre Russell? It will be Vaibhav!
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, A yorker, outside off, Shahrukh Khan carves it out between cover and mid off for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shahrukh Khan, 1 run.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Pitched way outside off, just inside the tramline, full in length, Jos Buttler shuffles well across off and drags it with a slog sweep to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shahrukh Khan, Fuller and around off, Shahrukh Khan drags it wide of mid on for a single.
Shahrukh Khan is in at number 5. Still, no Sherfane Rutherford.
Harshit Rana to Rahul Tewatia, ! HIGH UP IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A short stay for Rahul Tewatia in the middle comes to an end.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, A yorker gone right, outside off, Jos Buttler jams it out to point and runs a quick single.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, ! Starts off with a boundary! A low full toss, around off, Jos Buttler charges down the track and smashes to the left mid off for a boundary.
Bowling change.
Vaibhav Arora to Rahul Tewatia, Hurled fuller, on off, Tewatia, with a straight bat face, pushes it back to the bowler. Vaibhav bends low to his left and stops it on his follow-through.
Rahul Tewatia walks out to bat now.
Is that out? Rinku Singh claims the catch but Shubman Gill being on 90 just wants it to be checked. The onfield umpires have a chat with the third umpire and it is given .
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! c Rinku Singh b Vaibhav Arora.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! Touch of class! Seam-up, full and around off, with a little tail back in, Shubman Gill goes deep in the crease, prods forward and carves it through backward point for a cracking boundary.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! No half measures! Back of a length, just around off, Shubman Gill swivels and pulls it comfortably over deep square leg for a huge six. This also brings up the 50-run stand between these two.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, An attempted yorker, on off, jammed back to the bowler.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, No run.
Vaibhav Arora (2-0-16-0) is back on.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Flat and quick on middle, on a length, Shubman Gill waits back and nudges it across to deep mid-wicket for another single. 11 runs off Narine's last over. He finishes with figures of 4-0-36-0.
Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, At 92 kph, on a length, with a hint of turn into the batter, on middle and leg, Jos Buttler tries to work across, but wears on the thigh pad.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Quick tap and run now! Length ball, turning into the pads, Shubman Gill tucks it with soft hands to mid-wicket for a single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, ! Sheer dominance! Landed into the slot, too full and on middle and leg, Shubman Gill sits on his knee, and slogs it with ease, and clears deep mid-wicket for a six.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Just outside off, on a good length, Shubman Gill punches it off the back foot through cover for a couple of another runs.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, On off, on a length, Gill hits it between cover and point for a quick single. A wayward throw to the keeper, allows Buttler to get home safely.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Into the gap! On the shorter side, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill hangs back and short arm jabs it between long on and deep mid-wicket. Moeen Ali does the hard yards to his right from long on, slides, but the ball beats him and runs into the fence.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! SMASHED! Too full, and outside off, Gill gets his bat right under it and lofts it over mid off for a cracking boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, 'CATCH IT' is the call, but Manish Pandey cannot get there in time. It will be counted as a dropped catch, but a good effort from a gun fielder. Fuller and around off, Buttler prods forward and mistimes it over mid off. Manish Pandey from long off comes running across to his left and puts in a dive, but shells the ball with the falling momentum. Two taken.
STRATEGIC BREAK! It has been a one-way traffic so far where the batters of the Gujarat Titans batted beautifully on this track, which isn't completely flat, and they have done it with excellent running between the wickets with timely boundaries. It is looking ominous for Kolkata Knight Riders as their bowlers have failed to pick wickets, and to make it worse, Vaibhav Arora has put down a catch just in the last over. Jos Buttler has come out on a mission as he is looking to blaze the ball ov
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Bangs short, outside off, Buttler cuts it to Dre Russ at point.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Slows it up again, outside off, full, Jos Buttler slaps it to long off for a single.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Back of a length, around off, Buttler misses to reverse ramp it.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, IN THE AIR, . AND MUCH WORSE, IT IS A ! Harshit bowls another slower one, fuller and outside off, Jos Buttler throws the kitchen sink at it and goes for a big booming hit downtown, but mistimes it massively off the toe-end. Skews it over mid off, where Vaibhav Arora tries to catch it with a reverse cup, running a few yards backward, but parries it behind into the ropes for a boundary.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Pace off again, just outside off, on a fullish length, Jos Buttler is early into his shot, and the ball just grips off the surface, nips in and beats Buttler's inside edge.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, TOP EDGE AND ! Not exactly where he intended to hit, but he will take it. Pace off once more, too full, on off, Buttler bends low by changing his stance and tries to reverse sweep it, but it takes a thick top edge and flies over the keeper for a boundary.
An excellent over from Varun Chakaravarthy against the run of play. He gives away just 3 runs in it. Also, Harshit Rana (2-0-27-0) comes back into the attack.Â
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Slower one, fuller and outside off, just jagging back in a touch, Gill cuts it through point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, At 98.9 kph, Varun bowls it fuller and just outside off, Shubman Gill leans on and drives it through cover for a single. A relatively quiet over, just three singles off it.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Dragged length, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it square to deep backward point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Nice and full, around off, pushed to cover.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Slower, at 95.1 kph, a googly, full and around off, Jos Buttler chips it in the air, off the inside half of the bat, but luckily for him, it lands just short ahead of mid-wicket.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, A leg-break, on a length, outside off, spinning away, Shubman Gill rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Varun goes fuller and flatter, on off, Shubman Gill prods foward and pushes it firmly back to the bowler.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Not where he intended but Jos Buttler has got off to a rollicking start. Slower ball, a tad short and over the stumps, Buttler shuffles across to scoop it over short fine leg but ends up getting it down to the other side and the ball rolls into the deep third fence.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Oh, Buttler means business! Fuller in length and outside off, Jos Buttler steps out and smacks the ball up and over the cover region for a boundary. A one-two punch from Buttler, taking on the short and the full ball.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Off the mark in style! Short of a length and over off, not short enough and just sits up for the batter. Jos Buttler is quick to get his weight onto the back foot and muscles the pull well in front of square for a boundary.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, Just back of a length and on a tight line around off, Jos Buttler looks to push it on the up through the off side but miscues it across to the leg side.
Andre Russell to Sai Sudharsan, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Dre Russ with a moment of magic and KKR finally have a breakthrough! Another heavy ball from Andre Russell, seam up, on a hard length and around off. This one angles across and bounces a bit extra as well. Sai Sudharsan stays upright and looks to cut close to the body but gets a faint outside edge through to the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes the catch around his face and Sudharsan has to walk back for a well-made 52 (36). GT now 114
Out goes Sudharsan, and in comes Jos Buttler at number 3.
Andre Russell to Shubman Gill, A heavy ball, bowled back of a length and around the fifth stump line, Gill stands tall and punches it square through the off side for a single.
In the drought of wickets, Ajinkya Rahane has now turned towards Andre Russell. He hasn't bowled much this season, though. He replaces Harshit Rana.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nagging length, bowled outside off, Gill looks to drive but miscues it wide of short third for a single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, ! Finds the gap again! Darted in towards the pads, Shubman Gill gets down on one knee and swats the sweep shot aerially and to the left of deep backward square leg. Vaibhav Arora is unable to get around and the ball goes over the ropes.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Floated up, very full and on off, Sudharsan gets the front leg out of the way and hammers it wide of long on where Andre Russell is quick to get to the ball and keeps it down to one.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nice and full, on off and middle, Gill gets a good stride in and works it in front of mid-wicket for a run.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Gets away with it does Narine! Short and down leg, Sudharsan picks it up and heaves it on the bounce to deep fine leg for just another single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Bowled well short and outside off, Gill with a backfoot-punch towards sweeper cover and he picks up a single.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, ! That's easy pickings for Sudharsan! Short and angled in towards the hips, Sai picks the length early and gets inside the line before pulling it up and over deep backward square leg for a biggie. 100 up for GT as well.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Sai Sudharsan won't lag behind and he too brings up his FIFTY! His 11th half century in the IPL. Back of a length and round off, played off the back foot and wide of deep third for a couple of quick runs. GT's openers will now really look to consolidate this amazing start.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Good, positive running again and that also brings up FIFTY for the GT skipper! Hard length in the channel, Shubman Gill looks to punch it away off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the back pad. The ball rolls onto the deck as the batters scamper through for one. A 23rd IPL half century for Gill! Third fifty this season alone.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Slower again, full and on off, Sudharsan lets the ball come on and just pats it away wide of point for a single.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Wide! Around the wicket comes Rana and angles in a short delivery down the leg side. Sai misses the pull and a wide is called.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Another slower ball, just back of a length and on middle and leg, Sudharsan nudges it to the leg side.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, ! Sublime timing from Sai! Bowled a bit full and angled across off, slower too. Sudharsan has enough time to lean on and punch it firmly to the right of the diving cover fielder for a boundary.
Harshit Rana (1-0-12-0) is back on. He replaces Varun Chakaravarthy.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Gets away with the extra delivery! Bowled very full and around off, gets it to dip, Sai sits down and slogs it on the full to deep mid-wicket for just a single. GT are 89/0 at the halfway mark!
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Shorter in length and over leg stump, tucked away from the crease through mid-wicket for a single. Uh, oh! The siren goes up and a NO BALL is called as Sunil Narine oversteps, a cardinal sin from the spinner. Free Hit to follow...
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nicely flighted, on a nagging length and around off, Gill blocks it off.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Excellent placement and running!
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Flat and at the stumps, punched off the back foot down to long off for an easy single.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Bowled a bit quicker and just a tad fuller on off, Sudharsan pushes it out into the off side.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, ! Sai picked the length so quickly there! Marginally short on middle, Sudharsan rocks back and pounces all over it, nailing the pull just in front of square leg for another boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, Flighted ball, a bit full on leg and turning away, Sudharsan watchfully just pushes it through mid off and picks up the single right after the boundary, smart batting.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, ! Hammered away! Varun errs on the shorter side again and bowls it outside off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and slaps the ball through extra cover for a boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, On a dragged length and around off, tapped away towards cover for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Nicely played!
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, BEATEN! Quicker delivery, on a length and around off, it is the leg break that turns away from the right-hander. Gill looks to block but is beaten past the outside edge.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, On the shorter side and over off, Sudharsan rocks back and pulls it away firmly to deep mid-wicket for only a single.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Pulls the length back and keeps it around leg, Sudharsan works it away into the on side for just one more. Tidy start from Narine.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Bowled flat and darted in towards the pads, Sudharsan presses back and tucks it away past square leg for a couple of quick runs.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, On the fuller side and dropping it around the pads, Sai fails to flick it away.
Strategic Break. This has been an excellent start, yet again, for the Gujarat Titans. Another occasion where the openers have bossed up the Powerplay. After a sedate start in the first three overs, both have displayed controlled aggression, coupled with excellent running between the wickets. With not much movement on offer, and the residual one waning away after the first couple of overs, Ajinkya Rahane brought in the spinners, who did get some purchase off the deck, but they were negotiated wi
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, 1 run.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Flatter delivery, straight on middle, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and flicks it away through mid-wicket for one more.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Bowled on a good length around off, curving it away with some extra bounce, Gill pushes it down to cover for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Around the wicket now, bowling it full and angling it across the right-hander, Gill leans on and strokes it to deep cover for one.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Excellent running! On a dragged length and around the off stump, Gill taps the ball across through mid-wicket and races back for the second run.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Just back of a length and around off, slowing it up as well, Gill blocks it from the crease.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! This is controlled aggression from Shubman Gill and he is on fire!
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! Oh, a deft touch now, Gill showing the full range here! Bowled flatter and outside off, Gill waits back and opens the bat face when the ball is almost behind him and glides it down to deep third for a boundary.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! Gill's had enough! Tossed-up delivery on the stumps, Shubman Gill dances down the track and whips the ball a long way over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Moeen Ali (2-0-10-0) switches ends. He replaces Harshit Rana.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, Short and touch outside off, Sai drags it to the leg side for no run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Nagging length and around off, Gill drops it down to mid off and gets a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, 1 run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Dragged length and on the pads, Gill comes forward and tickles it to short fine leg for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Tossed it up and around off, Gill nudges it to mid on.
Change again. Here's Varun Chakaravarthy for the first time into the attack. He replaces Moeen Ali.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Shubman Gill greets Varun Chakaravarthy with a boundary here! Short ball and outside off, Gill waits for it and cuts it off late and beats the diving short third to his left for a boundary.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Hard length and around off, Sai hangs back and turns it to mid-wicket for no run.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Lands it fuller and on the pads, Gill nudges it to mid on and runs off a quick single. The fielder there makes a throw to the bowling end but misses.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Keeps it fuller now and outside off, Sudharsan goes on his one knee and drives it through covers for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Rana drags his length further back and keeps it into the stumps, Gill hops up a bit and drops it down towards point and runs off for a quick single.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, ! CRUNCHED! Hard length and again outside off, Shubman Gill gets inside the line and cuts it hard to the left of backward point for another boundary. Two in two for Gill.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, ! UP AND OVER! Similar length and again well outside off, Shubman Gill gets enough width to free his arms as he slices it over the cover point fielder for a boundary.Â
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, WIDE! On a good length but wide outside off. Called a wide.
Harshit Rana is introduced into the attack. He replaces Vaibhav Arora.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Much shorter now and around off, Sudharsan pats it down straight to extra cover.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Gives flight to a full ball, around off, from around the wicket, Sai goes back and pushes it back to the bowler who stops it on his follow-through.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Full and outside off, Gill drags it with a sweep shot to deep square leg for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, No run.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Moeen drags his length back as he sees the batter charging down and keeps it touch outside off, Gill has to adjust it in the end and he drops it down back to the bowler to his left.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed it up, around off, Sai waits for it and punches it off the back foot towards covers for a quick single again.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On a dragged length and around off, Sai taps it down towards cover point and runs off for a quick single. A steady start for GT after three overs.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, ! GLORIOUS! Vaibhav pitches it up and outside off, invites the batter to go for it. Sai Sudharsan comes forward and shows the full face of the bat to cream his drive through covers for a boundary.Â
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, into the pitch, around off, Gill uses his wrists and turns it towards mid-wicket and runs off for a quick single. Good running between the wickets by both batters!
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, Good length and around off, Sai pats it down towards extra cover and gets a quick single.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, ! PURE TIMING! On a hard length and well outside off, Sai Sudharsan gets inside the line and waits for it before guides it with open bat face to deep backward point for a boundary.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, A tight single! An inswinger, on a length and around off, Shubman Gill clips it to mid on and sets off for a single. The fielder is quick there to collect it and makes a direct hit at the bowler's end but Gill makes it there in time.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, ! PUNISHED! Moeen drops it a bit short and outside off, Sai Sudharsan waits for it and cuts it hard. He beats the diving cover fielder to his left and gets a boundary.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Fliighted, full and around off, Gill comes forward and flicks it to long on for one.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Floated it up, around off, Sudharsan eases out to long off for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Switches to over the wicket and bowls a short ball, around off, Gill hangs back and pushes it to long on for a single.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Drags his length back a bit and on the pads, drifts in with the angle, Sai presses back and clips it to deep backward square leg for one.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed it up, around off, Sai Sudharsan comes forward and defends it to the off side.
Oh, spin straightaway. It will be Moeen Ali to operate from the far end.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On a hard length and in the channel outside off, Sai Sudharsan covers the line and cuts it towards backward point and runs off for a quick single. A nice one from Vaibhav Arora as he gives only 4 runs in it.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Goes fuller and on the pads, Gill leans on and uses his wrists to flick it to the left of deep square leg for a single to get off the mark.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, around off, Shubman Gill uses his feet and shows the full face of the bat to block it out to cover.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, In-between length, around off, Gill takes a step forward and drops it down to cover.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, On a dragged length, on top of off, a hint of inswing, Shubman Gill stands tall and defends it into the pitch.
In all readiness for the action to get underway, here in the City of Joy, Kolkata. And as per the tradition, the bell has rung. This time, by the former India left-arm pacer, and the current GT head coach, Ashish Nehra. The umpires have made their way out. The players of Kolkata Knight Riders now spread out to their respective fielding positions. The pair of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill walk out to the pitch to open for GT. Vaibhav Arora, with the new ball, is raring to go. Off we go...
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On the pads, slightly fuller length, Sai tucks it towards mid-wicket and gets a single to get off the mark.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, WIDE! Gujarat Titans are underway with an extra! Arora bowls it on a length and pretty wide outside off, Sai Sudharsan leaves it alone. Called a wide.
Jos Buttler of the Gujarat Titans is up for a flash interview. On that match-winning knock against Delhi Capitals, he says that he always tries to bat till the end and work back from there to the present moment. Also mentions that there were crucial partnerships as well. Says with Sherfane on the other side, they complemented each other pretty well. On Sai Sudharsan, he tells that he has been watching him bat in the nets from day one, and expresses that he was blown away by his talent. Adds that
The skipper of the Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill, says that the dew is not going to be around as he thinks, and hopefully, they will post a good total in the first inning. Highlights the biggest reason for their success has been their bowling, as bowlers have picked wickets, and they have sustained the pressure. Admits that Rashid Khan is a great player in all departments, and any captain would love to have him on the field as he brings a different energy.Â
The captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, Ajinkya Rahane, says that they will bowl first and reckons that the pitch looks a bit on the drier side. Adds that they want to get an idea of how it plays and it is generally a chasing ground. Mentions that they have made a few errors but the players have been working hard and there is enough motivation for everyone. Informs that they have a couple of changes with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Moeen Ali coming in.
Impact player nominations by Kolkata Knight Riders - Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell and Luvnith Sisodia.
Impact player nominations by Gujarat Titans - Ishant Sharma, Karim Janat, Mahipal Lomror, Anuj Rawat and Arshad Khan.
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
TOSS UPDATE - Jinx gives it a flip. Heads is the call from Shubman Gill, but it lands as a Tail. Kolkata Knight Riders have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first.
Welcome back to KKR's reply with the bat. The official IPL pet 'CHAMPAK' is ready to lead the way for the umpires and the players.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
For Kolkata Knight Riders, it was a challenging first innings with the ball. While they didnât bowl that poorly, their fielding let them down badly. A couple of misfields, lazy efforts, and a crucial dropped catch by Vaibhav Arora, that of Buttler, proved costly in the death overs. Despite all that, KKR managed to restrict Gujarat just under 200, which might be a small morale win heading into the chase. Now the big question - can KKR chase this down a target of 199? Their batting has been unde
Sai Sudharsan of GT is down for a chat. He starts by saying that the wicket was slow to begin with, and they found it difficult in the Powerplay, after which they tried to take the game deep. Mentions that he enjoys the company of Shubman Gill and the experience he brings with him. Adds that they knew the wicket was difficult to bat on and the main conversation was regarding keeping wickets in hand. Ends by saying that the batters have given a great total to the bowlers to defend.
At the other end, Shubman Gill looked in complete control, anchoring the innings with some eye-pleasing strokes. His knock of 90 off just 55 balls was filled with timing, placement, and elegance, and he kept one end secure till the final phase. Gill and Buttler together added 50 runs quickly, showing once again how deadly this GT top-order can be when in form. Buttler stayed till the end and ensured GT finished strong, pushing them beyond the 195-mark, which is more than competitive on this pit
They began cautiously, putting up 45 runs in the Powerplay, but the real acceleration came after that. Their partnership was built on smart rotation of strike, quick singles, well-run twos, and the occasional boundary to release pressure. The KKR bowlers were left searching for answers, and the fielders looked visibly frustrated as they just couldnât break the stand. Sai Sudharsan played a fluent knock of 52 off 36 balls before finally falling, but by then, the damage was already done. In wal
Gujarat Titans have put on a batting show in Kolkata, posting a massive total of 198/3 and walking back to the dressing room with all the momentum on their side. It was an authoritative display from their top order, who dominated the innings with smart cricket and clean hitting. The opening partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill was nothing short of a batting masterclass, as the duo stitched together a superb 114-run stand, both bringing up classy half-centuries.
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, A run out appeal, sent upstairs by the on-field umpire.
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, ! A freebie, and Shahrukh says, Thank you very much! Another full toss, outside off, Shahrukh Khan stays back and picks the bones out of it. He sails it over cow corner for a cracking six.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, Full toss, outside off, jabbed away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Buttler, and he moves to his 40s! Too full again from Vaibhav, outside off, Jos Buttler crouches a bit and shovels it through point, beating Ajinkya Rahane to his left on the dive. Rahane does get some fingertips on it, but the ball races away to the fence.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, ! Wow, that is a shot and a half! Vaibhav Arora is not too pleased with the position of Harshit Rana at deep backward point.Â
Who will bowl the final over? Will it be Vaibhav Arora or will it be Andre Russell? It will be Vaibhav!
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, A yorker, outside off, Shahrukh Khan carves it out between cover and mid off for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shahrukh Khan, 1 run.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Pitched way outside off, just inside the tramline, full in length, Jos Buttler shuffles well across off and drags it with a slog sweep to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shahrukh Khan, Fuller and around off, Shahrukh Khan drags it wide of mid on for a single.
Shahrukh Khan is in at number 5. Still, no Sherfane Rutherford.
Harshit Rana to Rahul Tewatia, ! HIGH UP IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A short stay for Rahul Tewatia in the middle comes to an end.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, A yorker gone right, outside off, Jos Buttler jams it out to point and runs a quick single.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, ! Starts off with a boundary! A low full toss, around off, Jos Buttler charges down the track and smashes to the left mid off for a boundary.
Bowling change.
Vaibhav Arora to Rahul Tewatia, Hurled fuller, on off, Tewatia, with a straight bat face, pushes it back to the bowler. Vaibhav bends low to his left and stops it on his follow-through.
Rahul Tewatia walks out to bat now.
Is that out? Rinku Singh claims the catch but Shubman Gill being on 90 just wants it to be checked. The onfield umpires have a chat with the third umpire and it is given .
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! c Rinku Singh b Vaibhav Arora.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! Touch of class! Seam-up, full and around off, with a little tail back in, Shubman Gill goes deep in the crease, prods forward and carves it through backward point for a cracking boundary.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! No half measures! Back of a length, just around off, Shubman Gill swivels and pulls it comfortably over deep square leg for a huge six. This also brings up the 50-run stand between these two.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, An attempted yorker, on off, jammed back to the bowler.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, No run.
Vaibhav Arora (2-0-16-0) is back on.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Flat and quick on middle, on a length, Shubman Gill waits back and nudges it across to deep mid-wicket for another single. 11 runs off Narine's last over. He finishes with figures of 4-0-36-0.
Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, At 92 kph, on a length, with a hint of turn into the batter, on middle and leg, Jos Buttler tries to work across, but wears on the thigh pad.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Quick tap and run now! Length ball, turning into the pads, Shubman Gill tucks it with soft hands to mid-wicket for a single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, ! Sheer dominance! Landed into the slot, too full and on middle and leg, Shubman Gill sits on his knee, and slogs it with ease, and clears deep mid-wicket for a six.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Just outside off, on a good length, Shubman Gill punches it off the back foot through cover for a couple of another runs.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, On off, on a length, Gill hits it between cover and point for a quick single. A wayward throw to the keeper, allows Buttler to get home safely.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Into the gap! On the shorter side, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill hangs back and short arm jabs it between long on and deep mid-wicket. Moeen Ali does the hard yards to his right from long on, slides, but the ball beats him and runs into the fence.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! SMASHED! Too full, and outside off, Gill gets his bat right under it and lofts it over mid off for a cracking boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, 'CATCH IT' is the call, but Manish Pandey cannot get there in time. It will be counted as a dropped catch, but a good effort from a gun fielder. Fuller and around off, Buttler prods forward and mistimes it over mid off. Manish Pandey from long off comes running across to his left and puts in a dive, but shells the ball with the falling momentum. Two taken.
STRATEGIC BREAK! It has been a one-way traffic so far where the batters of the Gujarat Titans batted beautifully on this track, which isn't completely flat, and they have done it with excellent running between the wickets with timely boundaries. It is looking ominous for Kolkata Knight Riders as their bowlers have failed to pick wickets, and to make it worse, Vaibhav Arora has put down a catch just in the last over. Jos Buttler has come out on a mission as he is looking to blaze the ball ov
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Bangs short, outside off, Buttler cuts it to Dre Russ at point.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Slows it up again, outside off, full, Jos Buttler slaps it to long off for a single.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Back of a length, around off, Buttler misses to reverse ramp it.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, IN THE AIR, . AND MUCH WORSE, IT IS A ! Harshit bowls another slower one, fuller and outside off, Jos Buttler throws the kitchen sink at it and goes for a big booming hit downtown, but mistimes it massively off the toe-end. Skews it over mid off, where Vaibhav Arora tries to catch it with a reverse cup, running a few yards backward, but parries it behind into the ropes for a boundary.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Pace off again, just outside off, on a fullish length, Jos Buttler is early into his shot, and the ball just grips off the surface, nips in and beats Buttler's inside edge.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, TOP EDGE AND ! Not exactly where he intended to hit, but he will take it. Pace off once more, too full, on off, Buttler bends low by changing his stance and tries to reverse sweep it, but it takes a thick top edge and flies over the keeper for a boundary.
An excellent over from Varun Chakaravarthy against the run of play. He gives away just 3 runs in it. Also, Harshit Rana (2-0-27-0) comes back into the attack.Â
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Slower one, fuller and outside off, just jagging back in a touch, Gill cuts it through point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, At 98.9 kph, Varun bowls it fuller and just outside off, Shubman Gill leans on and drives it through cover for a single. A relatively quiet over, just three singles off it.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Dragged length, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it square to deep backward point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Nice and full, around off, pushed to cover.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Slower, at 95.1 kph, a googly, full and around off, Jos Buttler chips it in the air, off the inside half of the bat, but luckily for him, it lands just short ahead of mid-wicket.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, A leg-break, on a length, outside off, spinning away, Shubman Gill rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Varun goes fuller and flatter, on off, Shubman Gill prods foward and pushes it firmly back to the bowler.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Not where he intended but Jos Buttler has got off to a rollicking start. Slower ball, a tad short and over the stumps, Buttler shuffles across to scoop it over short fine leg but ends up getting it down to the other side and the ball rolls into the deep third fence.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Oh, Buttler means business! Fuller in length and outside off, Jos Buttler steps out and smacks the ball up and over the cover region for a boundary. A one-two punch from Buttler, taking on the short and the full ball.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Off the mark in style! Short of a length and over off, not short enough and just sits up for the batter. Jos Buttler is quick to get his weight onto the back foot and muscles the pull well in front of square for a boundary.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, Just back of a length and on a tight line around off, Jos Buttler looks to push it on the up through the off side but miscues it across to the leg side.
Andre Russell to Sai Sudharsan, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Dre Russ with a moment of magic and KKR finally have a breakthrough! Another heavy ball from Andre Russell, seam up, on a hard length and around off. This one angles across and bounces a bit extra as well. Sai Sudharsan stays upright and looks to cut close to the body but gets a faint outside edge through to the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes the catch around his face and Sudharsan has to walk back for a well-made 52 (36). GT now 114
Out goes Sudharsan, and in comes Jos Buttler at number 3.
Andre Russell to Shubman Gill, A heavy ball, bowled back of a length and around the fifth stump line, Gill stands tall and punches it square through the off side for a single.
In the drought of wickets, Ajinkya Rahane has now turned towards Andre Russell. He hasn't bowled much this season, though. He replaces Harshit Rana.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nagging length, bowled outside off, Gill looks to drive but miscues it wide of short third for a single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, ! Finds the gap again! Darted in towards the pads, Shubman Gill gets down on one knee and swats the sweep shot aerially and to the left of deep backward square leg. Vaibhav Arora is unable to get around and the ball goes over the ropes.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Floated up, very full and on off, Sudharsan gets the front leg out of the way and hammers it wide of long on where Andre Russell is quick to get to the ball and keeps it down to one.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nice and full, on off and middle, Gill gets a good stride in and works it in front of mid-wicket for a run.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Gets away with it does Narine! Short and down leg, Sudharsan picks it up and heaves it on the bounce to deep fine leg for just another single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Bowled well short and outside off, Gill with a backfoot-punch towards sweeper cover and he picks up a single.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, ! That's easy pickings for Sudharsan! Short and angled in towards the hips, Sai picks the length early and gets inside the line before pulling it up and over deep backward square leg for a biggie. 100 up for GT as well.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Sai Sudharsan won't lag behind and he too brings up his FIFTY! His 11th half century in the IPL. Back of a length and round off, played off the back foot and wide of deep third for a couple of quick runs. GT's openers will now really look to consolidate this amazing start.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Good, positive running again and that also brings up FIFTY for the GT skipper! Hard length in the channel, Shubman Gill looks to punch it away off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the back pad. The ball rolls onto the deck as the batters scamper through for one. A 23rd IPL half century for Gill! Third fifty this season alone.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Slower again, full and on off, Sudharsan lets the ball come on and just pats it away wide of point for a single.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Wide! Around the wicket comes Rana and angles in a short delivery down the leg side. Sai misses the pull and a wide is called.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Another slower ball, just back of a length and on middle and leg, Sudharsan nudges it to the leg side.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, ! Sublime timing from Sai! Bowled a bit full and angled across off, slower too. Sudharsan has enough time to lean on and punch it firmly to the right of the diving cover fielder for a boundary.
Harshit Rana (1-0-12-0) is back on. He replaces Varun Chakaravarthy.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Gets away with the extra delivery! Bowled very full and around off, gets it to dip, Sai sits down and slogs it on the full to deep mid-wicket for just a single. GT are 89/0 at the halfway mark!
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Shorter in length and over leg stump, tucked away from the crease through mid-wicket for a single. Uh, oh! The siren goes up and a NO BALL is called as Sunil Narine oversteps, a cardinal sin from the spinner. Free Hit to follow...
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nicely flighted, on a nagging length and around off, Gill blocks it off.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Excellent placement and running!
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Flat and at the stumps, punched off the back foot down to long off for an easy single.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Bowled a bit quicker and just a tad fuller on off, Sudharsan pushes it out into the off side.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, ! Sai picked the length so quickly there! Marginally short on middle, Sudharsan rocks back and pounces all over it, nailing the pull just in front of square leg for another boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, Flighted ball, a bit full on leg and turning away, Sudharsan watchfully just pushes it through mid off and picks up the single right after the boundary, smart batting.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, ! Hammered away! Varun errs on the shorter side again and bowls it outside off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and slaps the ball through extra cover for a boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, On a dragged length and around off, tapped away towards cover for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Nicely played!
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, BEATEN! Quicker delivery, on a length and around off, it is the leg break that turns away from the right-hander. Gill looks to block but is beaten past the outside edge.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, On the shorter side and over off, Sudharsan rocks back and pulls it away firmly to deep mid-wicket for only a single.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Pulls the length back and keeps it around leg, Sudharsan works it away into the on side for just one more. Tidy start from Narine.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Bowled flat and darted in towards the pads, Sudharsan presses back and tucks it away past square leg for a couple of quick runs.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, On the fuller side and dropping it around the pads, Sai fails to flick it away.
Strategic Break. This has been an excellent start, yet again, for the Gujarat Titans. Another occasion where the openers have bossed up the Powerplay. After a sedate start in the first three overs, both have displayed controlled aggression, coupled with excellent running between the wickets. With not much movement on offer, and the residual one waning away after the first couple of overs, Ajinkya Rahane brought in the spinners, who did get some purchase off the deck, but they were negotiated wi
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, 1 run.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Flatter delivery, straight on middle, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and flicks it away through mid-wicket for one more.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Bowled on a good length around off, curving it away with some extra bounce, Gill pushes it down to cover for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Around the wicket now, bowling it full and angling it across the right-hander, Gill leans on and strokes it to deep cover for one.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Excellent running! On a dragged length and around the off stump, Gill taps the ball across through mid-wicket and races back for the second run.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Just back of a length and around off, slowing it up as well, Gill blocks it from the crease.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! This is controlled aggression from Shubman Gill and he is on fire!
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! Oh, a deft touch now, Gill showing the full range here! Bowled flatter and outside off, Gill waits back and opens the bat face when the ball is almost behind him and glides it down to deep third for a boundary.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! Gill's had enough! Tossed-up delivery on the stumps, Shubman Gill dances down the track and whips the ball a long way over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Moeen Ali (2-0-10-0) switches ends. He replaces Harshit Rana.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, Short and touch outside off, Sai drags it to the leg side for no run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Nagging length and around off, Gill drops it down to mid off and gets a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, 1 run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Dragged length and on the pads, Gill comes forward and tickles it to short fine leg for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Tossed it up and around off, Gill nudges it to mid on.
Change again. Here's Varun Chakaravarthy for the first time into the attack. He replaces Moeen Ali.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Shubman Gill greets Varun Chakaravarthy with a boundary here! Short ball and outside off, Gill waits for it and cuts it off late and beats the diving short third to his left for a boundary.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Hard length and around off, Sai hangs back and turns it to mid-wicket for no run.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Lands it fuller and on the pads, Gill nudges it to mid on and runs off a quick single. The fielder there makes a throw to the bowling end but misses.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Keeps it fuller now and outside off, Sudharsan goes on his one knee and drives it through covers for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Rana drags his length further back and keeps it into the stumps, Gill hops up a bit and drops it down towards point and runs off for a quick single.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, ! CRUNCHED! Hard length and again outside off, Shubman Gill gets inside the line and cuts it hard to the left of backward point for another boundary. Two in two for Gill.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, ! UP AND OVER! Similar length and again well outside off, Shubman Gill gets enough width to free his arms as he slices it over the cover point fielder for a boundary.Â
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, WIDE! On a good length but wide outside off. Called a wide.
Harshit Rana is introduced into the attack. He replaces Vaibhav Arora.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Much shorter now and around off, Sudharsan pats it down straight to extra cover.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Gives flight to a full ball, around off, from around the wicket, Sai goes back and pushes it back to the bowler who stops it on his follow-through.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Full and outside off, Gill drags it with a sweep shot to deep square leg for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, No run.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Moeen drags his length back as he sees the batter charging down and keeps it touch outside off, Gill has to adjust it in the end and he drops it down back to the bowler to his left.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed it up, around off, Sai waits for it and punches it off the back foot towards covers for a quick single again.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On a dragged length and around off, Sai taps it down towards cover point and runs off for a quick single. A steady start for GT after three overs.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, ! GLORIOUS! Vaibhav pitches it up and outside off, invites the batter to go for it. Sai Sudharsan comes forward and shows the full face of the bat to cream his drive through covers for a boundary.Â
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, into the pitch, around off, Gill uses his wrists and turns it towards mid-wicket and runs off for a quick single. Good running between the wickets by both batters!
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, Good length and around off, Sai pats it down towards extra cover and gets a quick single.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, ! PURE TIMING! On a hard length and well outside off, Sai Sudharsan gets inside the line and waits for it before guides it with open bat face to deep backward point for a boundary.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, A tight single! An inswinger, on a length and around off, Shubman Gill clips it to mid on and sets off for a single. The fielder is quick there to collect it and makes a direct hit at the bowler's end but Gill makes it there in time.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, ! PUNISHED! Moeen drops it a bit short and outside off, Sai Sudharsan waits for it and cuts it hard. He beats the diving cover fielder to his left and gets a boundary.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Fliighted, full and around off, Gill comes forward and flicks it to long on for one.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Floated it up, around off, Sudharsan eases out to long off for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Switches to over the wicket and bowls a short ball, around off, Gill hangs back and pushes it to long on for a single.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Drags his length back a bit and on the pads, drifts in with the angle, Sai presses back and clips it to deep backward square leg for one.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed it up, around off, Sai Sudharsan comes forward and defends it to the off side.
Oh, spin straightaway. It will be Moeen Ali to operate from the far end.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On a hard length and in the channel outside off, Sai Sudharsan covers the line and cuts it towards backward point and runs off for a quick single. A nice one from Vaibhav Arora as he gives only 4 runs in it.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Goes fuller and on the pads, Gill leans on and uses his wrists to flick it to the left of deep square leg for a single to get off the mark.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, around off, Shubman Gill uses his feet and shows the full face of the bat to block it out to cover.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, In-between length, around off, Gill takes a step forward and drops it down to cover.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, On a dragged length, on top of off, a hint of inswing, Shubman Gill stands tall and defends it into the pitch.
In all readiness for the action to get underway, here in the City of Joy, Kolkata. And as per the tradition, the bell has rung. This time, by the former India left-arm pacer, and the current GT head coach, Ashish Nehra. The umpires have made their way out. The players of Kolkata Knight Riders now spread out to their respective fielding positions. The pair of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill walk out to the pitch to open for GT. Vaibhav Arora, with the new ball, is raring to go. Off we go...
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On the pads, slightly fuller length, Sai tucks it towards mid-wicket and gets a single to get off the mark.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, WIDE! Gujarat Titans are underway with an extra! Arora bowls it on a length and pretty wide outside off, Sai Sudharsan leaves it alone. Called a wide.
Jos Buttler of the Gujarat Titans is up for a flash interview. On that match-winning knock against Delhi Capitals, he says that he always tries to bat till the end and work back from there to the present moment. Also mentions that there were crucial partnerships as well. Says with Sherfane on the other side, they complemented each other pretty well. On Sai Sudharsan, he tells that he has been watching him bat in the nets from day one, and expresses that he was blown away by his talent. Adds that
The skipper of the Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill, says that the dew is not going to be around as he thinks, and hopefully, they will post a good total in the first inning. Highlights the biggest reason for their success has been their bowling, as bowlers have picked wickets, and they have sustained the pressure. Admits that Rashid Khan is a great player in all departments, and any captain would love to have him on the field as he brings a different energy.Â
The captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, Ajinkya Rahane, says that they will bowl first and reckons that the pitch looks a bit on the drier side. Adds that they want to get an idea of how it plays and it is generally a chasing ground. Mentions that they have made a few errors but the players have been working hard and there is enough motivation for everyone. Informs that they have a couple of changes with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Moeen Ali coming in.
Impact player nominations by Kolkata Knight Riders - Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell and Luvnith Sisodia.
Impact player nominations by Gujarat Titans - Ishant Sharma, Karim Janat, Mahipal Lomror, Anuj Rawat and Arshad Khan.
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
TOSS UPDATE - Jinx gives it a flip. Heads is the call from Shubman Gill, but it lands as a Tail. Kolkata Knight Riders have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first.
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Kolkata Knight Riders
159/8(20 Overs)
Welcome back to KKR's reply with the bat. The official IPL pet 'CHAMPAK' is ready to lead the way for the umpires and the players.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
For Kolkata Knight Riders, it was a challenging first innings with the ball. While they didnât bowl that poorly, their fielding let them down badly. A couple of misfields, lazy efforts, and a crucial dropped catch by Vaibhav Arora, that of Buttler, proved costly in the death overs. Despite all that, KKR managed to restrict Gujarat just under 200, which might be a small morale win heading into the chase. Now the big question - can KKR chase this down a target of 199? Their batting has been unde
Sai Sudharsan of GT is down for a chat. He starts by saying that the wicket was slow to begin with, and they found it difficult in the Powerplay, after which they tried to take the game deep. Mentions that he enjoys the company of Shubman Gill and the experience he brings with him. Adds that they knew the wicket was difficult to bat on and the main conversation was regarding keeping wickets in hand. Ends by saying that the batters have given a great total to the bowlers to defend.
At the other end, Shubman Gill looked in complete control, anchoring the innings with some eye-pleasing strokes. His knock of 90 off just 55 balls was filled with timing, placement, and elegance, and he kept one end secure till the final phase. Gill and Buttler together added 50 runs quickly, showing once again how deadly this GT top-order can be when in form. Buttler stayed till the end and ensured GT finished strong, pushing them beyond the 195-mark, which is more than competitive on this pit
They began cautiously, putting up 45 runs in the Powerplay, but the real acceleration came after that. Their partnership was built on smart rotation of strike, quick singles, well-run twos, and the occasional boundary to release pressure. The KKR bowlers were left searching for answers, and the fielders looked visibly frustrated as they just couldnât break the stand. Sai Sudharsan played a fluent knock of 52 off 36 balls before finally falling, but by then, the damage was already done. In wal
Gujarat Titans have put on a batting show in Kolkata, posting a massive total of 198/3 and walking back to the dressing room with all the momentum on their side. It was an authoritative display from their top order, who dominated the innings with smart cricket and clean hitting. The opening partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill was nothing short of a batting masterclass, as the duo stitched together a superb 114-run stand, both bringing up classy half-centuries.
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, A run out appeal, sent upstairs by the on-field umpire.
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, ! A freebie, and Shahrukh says, Thank you very much! Another full toss, outside off, Shahrukh Khan stays back and picks the bones out of it. He sails it over cow corner for a cracking six.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, Full toss, outside off, jabbed away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Buttler, and he moves to his 40s! Too full again from Vaibhav, outside off, Jos Buttler crouches a bit and shovels it through point, beating Ajinkya Rahane to his left on the dive. Rahane does get some fingertips on it, but the ball races away to the fence.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, ! Wow, that is a shot and a half! Vaibhav Arora is not too pleased with the position of Harshit Rana at deep backward point.Â
Who will bowl the final over? Will it be Vaibhav Arora or will it be Andre Russell? It will be Vaibhav!
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, A yorker, outside off, Shahrukh Khan carves it out between cover and mid off for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shahrukh Khan, 1 run.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Pitched way outside off, just inside the tramline, full in length, Jos Buttler shuffles well across off and drags it with a slog sweep to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shahrukh Khan, Fuller and around off, Shahrukh Khan drags it wide of mid on for a single.
Shahrukh Khan is in at number 5. Still, no Sherfane Rutherford.
Harshit Rana to Rahul Tewatia, ! HIGH UP IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A short stay for Rahul Tewatia in the middle comes to an end.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, A yorker gone right, outside off, Jos Buttler jams it out to point and runs a quick single.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, ! Starts off with a boundary! A low full toss, around off, Jos Buttler charges down the track and smashes to the left mid off for a boundary.
Bowling change.
Vaibhav Arora to Rahul Tewatia, Hurled fuller, on off, Tewatia, with a straight bat face, pushes it back to the bowler. Vaibhav bends low to his left and stops it on his follow-through.
Rahul Tewatia walks out to bat now.
Is that out? Rinku Singh claims the catch but Shubman Gill being on 90 just wants it to be checked. The onfield umpires have a chat with the third umpire and it is given .
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! c Rinku Singh b Vaibhav Arora.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! Touch of class! Seam-up, full and around off, with a little tail back in, Shubman Gill goes deep in the crease, prods forward and carves it through backward point for a cracking boundary.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! No half measures! Back of a length, just around off, Shubman Gill swivels and pulls it comfortably over deep square leg for a huge six. This also brings up the 50-run stand between these two.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, An attempted yorker, on off, jammed back to the bowler.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, No run.
Vaibhav Arora (2-0-16-0) is back on.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Flat and quick on middle, on a length, Shubman Gill waits back and nudges it across to deep mid-wicket for another single. 11 runs off Narine's last over. He finishes with figures of 4-0-36-0.
Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, At 92 kph, on a length, with a hint of turn into the batter, on middle and leg, Jos Buttler tries to work across, but wears on the thigh pad.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Quick tap and run now! Length ball, turning into the pads, Shubman Gill tucks it with soft hands to mid-wicket for a single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, ! Sheer dominance! Landed into the slot, too full and on middle and leg, Shubman Gill sits on his knee, and slogs it with ease, and clears deep mid-wicket for a six.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Just outside off, on a good length, Shubman Gill punches it off the back foot through cover for a couple of another runs.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, On off, on a length, Gill hits it between cover and point for a quick single. A wayward throw to the keeper, allows Buttler to get home safely.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Into the gap! On the shorter side, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill hangs back and short arm jabs it between long on and deep mid-wicket. Moeen Ali does the hard yards to his right from long on, slides, but the ball beats him and runs into the fence.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! SMASHED! Too full, and outside off, Gill gets his bat right under it and lofts it over mid off for a cracking boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, 'CATCH IT' is the call, but Manish Pandey cannot get there in time. It will be counted as a dropped catch, but a good effort from a gun fielder. Fuller and around off, Buttler prods forward and mistimes it over mid off. Manish Pandey from long off comes running across to his left and puts in a dive, but shells the ball with the falling momentum. Two taken.
STRATEGIC BREAK! It has been a one-way traffic so far where the batters of the Gujarat Titans batted beautifully on this track, which isn't completely flat, and they have done it with excellent running between the wickets with timely boundaries. It is looking ominous for Kolkata Knight Riders as their bowlers have failed to pick wickets, and to make it worse, Vaibhav Arora has put down a catch just in the last over. Jos Buttler has come out on a mission as he is looking to blaze the ball ov
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Bangs short, outside off, Buttler cuts it to Dre Russ at point.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Slows it up again, outside off, full, Jos Buttler slaps it to long off for a single.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Back of a length, around off, Buttler misses to reverse ramp it.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, IN THE AIR, . AND MUCH WORSE, IT IS A ! Harshit bowls another slower one, fuller and outside off, Jos Buttler throws the kitchen sink at it and goes for a big booming hit downtown, but mistimes it massively off the toe-end. Skews it over mid off, where Vaibhav Arora tries to catch it with a reverse cup, running a few yards backward, but parries it behind into the ropes for a boundary.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Pace off again, just outside off, on a fullish length, Jos Buttler is early into his shot, and the ball just grips off the surface, nips in and beats Buttler's inside edge.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, TOP EDGE AND ! Not exactly where he intended to hit, but he will take it. Pace off once more, too full, on off, Buttler bends low by changing his stance and tries to reverse sweep it, but it takes a thick top edge and flies over the keeper for a boundary.
An excellent over from Varun Chakaravarthy against the run of play. He gives away just 3 runs in it. Also, Harshit Rana (2-0-27-0) comes back into the attack.Â
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Slower one, fuller and outside off, just jagging back in a touch, Gill cuts it through point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, At 98.9 kph, Varun bowls it fuller and just outside off, Shubman Gill leans on and drives it through cover for a single. A relatively quiet over, just three singles off it.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Dragged length, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it square to deep backward point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Nice and full, around off, pushed to cover.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Slower, at 95.1 kph, a googly, full and around off, Jos Buttler chips it in the air, off the inside half of the bat, but luckily for him, it lands just short ahead of mid-wicket.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, A leg-break, on a length, outside off, spinning away, Shubman Gill rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Varun goes fuller and flatter, on off, Shubman Gill prods foward and pushes it firmly back to the bowler.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Not where he intended but Jos Buttler has got off to a rollicking start. Slower ball, a tad short and over the stumps, Buttler shuffles across to scoop it over short fine leg but ends up getting it down to the other side and the ball rolls into the deep third fence.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Oh, Buttler means business! Fuller in length and outside off, Jos Buttler steps out and smacks the ball up and over the cover region for a boundary. A one-two punch from Buttler, taking on the short and the full ball.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Off the mark in style! Short of a length and over off, not short enough and just sits up for the batter. Jos Buttler is quick to get his weight onto the back foot and muscles the pull well in front of square for a boundary.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, Just back of a length and on a tight line around off, Jos Buttler looks to push it on the up through the off side but miscues it across to the leg side.
Andre Russell to Sai Sudharsan, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Dre Russ with a moment of magic and KKR finally have a breakthrough! Another heavy ball from Andre Russell, seam up, on a hard length and around off. This one angles across and bounces a bit extra as well. Sai Sudharsan stays upright and looks to cut close to the body but gets a faint outside edge through to the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes the catch around his face and Sudharsan has to walk back for a well-made 52 (36). GT now 114
Out goes Sudharsan, and in comes Jos Buttler at number 3.
Andre Russell to Shubman Gill, A heavy ball, bowled back of a length and around the fifth stump line, Gill stands tall and punches it square through the off side for a single.
In the drought of wickets, Ajinkya Rahane has now turned towards Andre Russell. He hasn't bowled much this season, though. He replaces Harshit Rana.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nagging length, bowled outside off, Gill looks to drive but miscues it wide of short third for a single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, ! Finds the gap again! Darted in towards the pads, Shubman Gill gets down on one knee and swats the sweep shot aerially and to the left of deep backward square leg. Vaibhav Arora is unable to get around and the ball goes over the ropes.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Floated up, very full and on off, Sudharsan gets the front leg out of the way and hammers it wide of long on where Andre Russell is quick to get to the ball and keeps it down to one.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nice and full, on off and middle, Gill gets a good stride in and works it in front of mid-wicket for a run.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Gets away with it does Narine! Short and down leg, Sudharsan picks it up and heaves it on the bounce to deep fine leg for just another single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Bowled well short and outside off, Gill with a backfoot-punch towards sweeper cover and he picks up a single.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, ! That's easy pickings for Sudharsan! Short and angled in towards the hips, Sai picks the length early and gets inside the line before pulling it up and over deep backward square leg for a biggie. 100 up for GT as well.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Sai Sudharsan won't lag behind and he too brings up his FIFTY! His 11th half century in the IPL. Back of a length and round off, played off the back foot and wide of deep third for a couple of quick runs. GT's openers will now really look to consolidate this amazing start.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Good, positive running again and that also brings up FIFTY for the GT skipper! Hard length in the channel, Shubman Gill looks to punch it away off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the back pad. The ball rolls onto the deck as the batters scamper through for one. A 23rd IPL half century for Gill! Third fifty this season alone.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Slower again, full and on off, Sudharsan lets the ball come on and just pats it away wide of point for a single.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Wide! Around the wicket comes Rana and angles in a short delivery down the leg side. Sai misses the pull and a wide is called.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Another slower ball, just back of a length and on middle and leg, Sudharsan nudges it to the leg side.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, ! Sublime timing from Sai! Bowled a bit full and angled across off, slower too. Sudharsan has enough time to lean on and punch it firmly to the right of the diving cover fielder for a boundary.
Harshit Rana (1-0-12-0) is back on. He replaces Varun Chakaravarthy.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Gets away with the extra delivery! Bowled very full and around off, gets it to dip, Sai sits down and slogs it on the full to deep mid-wicket for just a single. GT are 89/0 at the halfway mark!
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Shorter in length and over leg stump, tucked away from the crease through mid-wicket for a single. Uh, oh! The siren goes up and a NO BALL is called as Sunil Narine oversteps, a cardinal sin from the spinner. Free Hit to follow...
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nicely flighted, on a nagging length and around off, Gill blocks it off.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Excellent placement and running!
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Flat and at the stumps, punched off the back foot down to long off for an easy single.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Bowled a bit quicker and just a tad fuller on off, Sudharsan pushes it out into the off side.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, ! Sai picked the length so quickly there! Marginally short on middle, Sudharsan rocks back and pounces all over it, nailing the pull just in front of square leg for another boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, Flighted ball, a bit full on leg and turning away, Sudharsan watchfully just pushes it through mid off and picks up the single right after the boundary, smart batting.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, ! Hammered away! Varun errs on the shorter side again and bowls it outside off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and slaps the ball through extra cover for a boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, On a dragged length and around off, tapped away towards cover for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Nicely played!
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, BEATEN! Quicker delivery, on a length and around off, it is the leg break that turns away from the right-hander. Gill looks to block but is beaten past the outside edge.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, On the shorter side and over off, Sudharsan rocks back and pulls it away firmly to deep mid-wicket for only a single.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Pulls the length back and keeps it around leg, Sudharsan works it away into the on side for just one more. Tidy start from Narine.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Bowled flat and darted in towards the pads, Sudharsan presses back and tucks it away past square leg for a couple of quick runs.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, On the fuller side and dropping it around the pads, Sai fails to flick it away.
Strategic Break. This has been an excellent start, yet again, for the Gujarat Titans. Another occasion where the openers have bossed up the Powerplay. After a sedate start in the first three overs, both have displayed controlled aggression, coupled with excellent running between the wickets. With not much movement on offer, and the residual one waning away after the first couple of overs, Ajinkya Rahane brought in the spinners, who did get some purchase off the deck, but they were negotiated wi
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, 1 run.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Flatter delivery, straight on middle, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and flicks it away through mid-wicket for one more.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Bowled on a good length around off, curving it away with some extra bounce, Gill pushes it down to cover for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Around the wicket now, bowling it full and angling it across the right-hander, Gill leans on and strokes it to deep cover for one.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Excellent running! On a dragged length and around the off stump, Gill taps the ball across through mid-wicket and races back for the second run.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Just back of a length and around off, slowing it up as well, Gill blocks it from the crease.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! This is controlled aggression from Shubman Gill and he is on fire!
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! Oh, a deft touch now, Gill showing the full range here! Bowled flatter and outside off, Gill waits back and opens the bat face when the ball is almost behind him and glides it down to deep third for a boundary.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! Gill's had enough! Tossed-up delivery on the stumps, Shubman Gill dances down the track and whips the ball a long way over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Moeen Ali (2-0-10-0) switches ends. He replaces Harshit Rana.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, Short and touch outside off, Sai drags it to the leg side for no run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Nagging length and around off, Gill drops it down to mid off and gets a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, 1 run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Dragged length and on the pads, Gill comes forward and tickles it to short fine leg for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Tossed it up and around off, Gill nudges it to mid on.
Change again. Here's Varun Chakaravarthy for the first time into the attack. He replaces Moeen Ali.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Shubman Gill greets Varun Chakaravarthy with a boundary here! Short ball and outside off, Gill waits for it and cuts it off late and beats the diving short third to his left for a boundary.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Hard length and around off, Sai hangs back and turns it to mid-wicket for no run.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Lands it fuller and on the pads, Gill nudges it to mid on and runs off a quick single. The fielder there makes a throw to the bowling end but misses.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Keeps it fuller now and outside off, Sudharsan goes on his one knee and drives it through covers for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Rana drags his length further back and keeps it into the stumps, Gill hops up a bit and drops it down towards point and runs off for a quick single.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, ! CRUNCHED! Hard length and again outside off, Shubman Gill gets inside the line and cuts it hard to the left of backward point for another boundary. Two in two for Gill.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, ! UP AND OVER! Similar length and again well outside off, Shubman Gill gets enough width to free his arms as he slices it over the cover point fielder for a boundary.Â
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, WIDE! On a good length but wide outside off. Called a wide.
Harshit Rana is introduced into the attack. He replaces Vaibhav Arora.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Much shorter now and around off, Sudharsan pats it down straight to extra cover.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Gives flight to a full ball, around off, from around the wicket, Sai goes back and pushes it back to the bowler who stops it on his follow-through.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Full and outside off, Gill drags it with a sweep shot to deep square leg for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, No run.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Moeen drags his length back as he sees the batter charging down and keeps it touch outside off, Gill has to adjust it in the end and he drops it down back to the bowler to his left.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed it up, around off, Sai waits for it and punches it off the back foot towards covers for a quick single again.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On a dragged length and around off, Sai taps it down towards cover point and runs off for a quick single. A steady start for GT after three overs.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, ! GLORIOUS! Vaibhav pitches it up and outside off, invites the batter to go for it. Sai Sudharsan comes forward and shows the full face of the bat to cream his drive through covers for a boundary.Â
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, into the pitch, around off, Gill uses his wrists and turns it towards mid-wicket and runs off for a quick single. Good running between the wickets by both batters!
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, Good length and around off, Sai pats it down towards extra cover and gets a quick single.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, ! PURE TIMING! On a hard length and well outside off, Sai Sudharsan gets inside the line and waits for it before guides it with open bat face to deep backward point for a boundary.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, A tight single! An inswinger, on a length and around off, Shubman Gill clips it to mid on and sets off for a single. The fielder is quick there to collect it and makes a direct hit at the bowler's end but Gill makes it there in time.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, ! PUNISHED! Moeen drops it a bit short and outside off, Sai Sudharsan waits for it and cuts it hard. He beats the diving cover fielder to his left and gets a boundary.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Fliighted, full and around off, Gill comes forward and flicks it to long on for one.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Floated it up, around off, Sudharsan eases out to long off for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Switches to over the wicket and bowls a short ball, around off, Gill hangs back and pushes it to long on for a single.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Drags his length back a bit and on the pads, drifts in with the angle, Sai presses back and clips it to deep backward square leg for one.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed it up, around off, Sai Sudharsan comes forward and defends it to the off side.
Oh, spin straightaway. It will be Moeen Ali to operate from the far end.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On a hard length and in the channel outside off, Sai Sudharsan covers the line and cuts it towards backward point and runs off for a quick single. A nice one from Vaibhav Arora as he gives only 4 runs in it.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Goes fuller and on the pads, Gill leans on and uses his wrists to flick it to the left of deep square leg for a single to get off the mark.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, around off, Shubman Gill uses his feet and shows the full face of the bat to block it out to cover.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, In-between length, around off, Gill takes a step forward and drops it down to cover.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, On a dragged length, on top of off, a hint of inswing, Shubman Gill stands tall and defends it into the pitch.
In all readiness for the action to get underway, here in the City of Joy, Kolkata. And as per the tradition, the bell has rung. This time, by the former India left-arm pacer, and the current GT head coach, Ashish Nehra. The umpires have made their way out. The players of Kolkata Knight Riders now spread out to their respective fielding positions. The pair of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill walk out to the pitch to open for GT. Vaibhav Arora, with the new ball, is raring to go. Off we go...
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On the pads, slightly fuller length, Sai tucks it towards mid-wicket and gets a single to get off the mark.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, WIDE! Gujarat Titans are underway with an extra! Arora bowls it on a length and pretty wide outside off, Sai Sudharsan leaves it alone. Called a wide.
Jos Buttler of the Gujarat Titans is up for a flash interview. On that match-winning knock against Delhi Capitals, he says that he always tries to bat till the end and work back from there to the present moment. Also mentions that there were crucial partnerships as well. Says with Sherfane on the other side, they complemented each other pretty well. On Sai Sudharsan, he tells that he has been watching him bat in the nets from day one, and expresses that he was blown away by his talent. Adds that
The skipper of the Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill, says that the dew is not going to be around as he thinks, and hopefully, they will post a good total in the first inning. Highlights the biggest reason for their success has been their bowling, as bowlers have picked wickets, and they have sustained the pressure. Admits that Rashid Khan is a great player in all departments, and any captain would love to have him on the field as he brings a different energy.Â
The captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, Ajinkya Rahane, says that they will bowl first and reckons that the pitch looks a bit on the drier side. Adds that they want to get an idea of how it plays and it is generally a chasing ground. Mentions that they have made a few errors but the players have been working hard and there is enough motivation for everyone. Informs that they have a couple of changes with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Moeen Ali coming in.
Impact player nominations by Kolkata Knight Riders - Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell and Luvnith Sisodia.
Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI) - Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy.Â
Impact player nominations by Gujarat Titans - Ishant Sharma, Karim Janat, Mahipal Lomror, Anuj Rawat and Arshad Khan.
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
TOSS UPDATE - Jinx gives it a flip. Heads is the call from Shubman Gill, but it lands as a Tail. Kolkata Knight Riders have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first.
Welcome back to KKR's reply with the bat. The official IPL pet 'CHAMPAK' is ready to lead the way for the umpires and the players.
... THE RUN CHASE ...
For Kolkata Knight Riders, it was a challenging first innings with the ball. While they didnât bowl that poorly, their fielding let them down badly. A couple of misfields, lazy efforts, and a crucial dropped catch by Vaibhav Arora, that of Buttler, proved costly in the death overs. Despite all that, KKR managed to restrict Gujarat just under 200, which might be a small morale win heading into the chase. Now the big question - can KKR chase this down a target of 199? Their batting has been unde
Sai Sudharsan of GT is down for a chat. He starts by saying that the wicket was slow to begin with, and they found it difficult in the Powerplay, after which they tried to take the game deep. Mentions that he enjoys the company of Shubman Gill and the experience he brings with him. Adds that they knew the wicket was difficult to bat on and the main conversation was regarding keeping wickets in hand. Ends by saying that the batters have given a great total to the bowlers to defend.
At the other end, Shubman Gill looked in complete control, anchoring the innings with some eye-pleasing strokes. His knock of 90 off just 55 balls was filled with timing, placement, and elegance, and he kept one end secure till the final phase. Gill and Buttler together added 50 runs quickly, showing once again how deadly this GT top-order can be when in form. Buttler stayed till the end and ensured GT finished strong, pushing them beyond the 195-mark, which is more than competitive on this pit
They began cautiously, putting up 45 runs in the Powerplay, but the real acceleration came after that. Their partnership was built on smart rotation of strike, quick singles, well-run twos, and the occasional boundary to release pressure. The KKR bowlers were left searching for answers, and the fielders looked visibly frustrated as they just couldnât break the stand. Sai Sudharsan played a fluent knock of 52 off 36 balls before finally falling, but by then, the damage was already done. In wal
Gujarat Titans have put on a batting show in Kolkata, posting a massive total of 198/3 and walking back to the dressing room with all the momentum on their side. It was an authoritative display from their top order, who dominated the innings with smart cricket and clean hitting. The opening partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill was nothing short of a batting masterclass, as the duo stitched together a superb 114-run stand, both bringing up classy half-centuries.
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, A run out appeal, sent upstairs by the on-field umpire.
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, ! A freebie, and Shahrukh says, Thank you very much! Another full toss, outside off, Shahrukh Khan stays back and picks the bones out of it. He sails it over cow corner for a cracking six.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, Full toss, outside off, jabbed away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, ! Back-to-back boundaries for Buttler, and he moves to his 40s! Too full again from Vaibhav, outside off, Jos Buttler crouches a bit and shovels it through point, beating Ajinkya Rahane to his left on the dive. Rahane does get some fingertips on it, but the ball races away to the fence.
Vaibhav Arora to Jos Buttler, ! Wow, that is a shot and a half! Vaibhav Arora is not too pleased with the position of Harshit Rana at deep backward point.Â
Who will bowl the final over? Will it be Vaibhav Arora or will it be Andre Russell? It will be Vaibhav!
Vaibhav Arora to Shahrukh Khan, A yorker, outside off, Shahrukh Khan carves it out between cover and mid off for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shahrukh Khan, 1 run.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Pitched way outside off, just inside the tramline, full in length, Jos Buttler shuffles well across off and drags it with a slog sweep to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shahrukh Khan, Fuller and around off, Shahrukh Khan drags it wide of mid on for a single.
Shahrukh Khan is in at number 5. Still, no Sherfane Rutherford.
Harshit Rana to Rahul Tewatia, ! HIGH UP IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A short stay for Rahul Tewatia in the middle comes to an end.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, A yorker gone right, outside off, Jos Buttler jams it out to point and runs a quick single.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, ! Starts off with a boundary! A low full toss, around off, Jos Buttler charges down the track and smashes to the left mid off for a boundary.
Bowling change.
Vaibhav Arora to Rahul Tewatia, Hurled fuller, on off, Tewatia, with a straight bat face, pushes it back to the bowler. Vaibhav bends low to his left and stops it on his follow-through.
Rahul Tewatia walks out to bat now.
Is that out? Rinku Singh claims the catch but Shubman Gill being on 90 just wants it to be checked. The onfield umpires have a chat with the third umpire and it is given .
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! c Rinku Singh b Vaibhav Arora.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! Touch of class! Seam-up, full and around off, with a little tail back in, Shubman Gill goes deep in the crease, prods forward and carves it through backward point for a cracking boundary.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, ! No half measures! Back of a length, just around off, Shubman Gill swivels and pulls it comfortably over deep square leg for a huge six. This also brings up the 50-run stand between these two.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, An attempted yorker, on off, jammed back to the bowler.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, No run.
Vaibhav Arora (2-0-16-0) is back on.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Flat and quick on middle, on a length, Shubman Gill waits back and nudges it across to deep mid-wicket for another single. 11 runs off Narine's last over. He finishes with figures of 4-0-36-0.
Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Sunil Narine to Jos Buttler, At 92 kph, on a length, with a hint of turn into the batter, on middle and leg, Jos Buttler tries to work across, but wears on the thigh pad.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Quick tap and run now! Length ball, turning into the pads, Shubman Gill tucks it with soft hands to mid-wicket for a single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, ! Sheer dominance! Landed into the slot, too full and on middle and leg, Shubman Gill sits on his knee, and slogs it with ease, and clears deep mid-wicket for a six.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Just outside off, on a good length, Shubman Gill punches it off the back foot through cover for a couple of another runs.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, On off, on a length, Gill hits it between cover and point for a quick single. A wayward throw to the keeper, allows Buttler to get home safely.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Into the gap! On the shorter side, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill hangs back and short arm jabs it between long on and deep mid-wicket. Moeen Ali does the hard yards to his right from long on, slides, but the ball beats him and runs into the fence.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! SMASHED! Too full, and outside off, Gill gets his bat right under it and lofts it over mid off for a cracking boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, 'CATCH IT' is the call, but Manish Pandey cannot get there in time. It will be counted as a dropped catch, but a good effort from a gun fielder. Fuller and around off, Buttler prods forward and mistimes it over mid off. Manish Pandey from long off comes running across to his left and puts in a dive, but shells the ball with the falling momentum. Two taken.
STRATEGIC BREAK! It has been a one-way traffic so far where the batters of the Gujarat Titans batted beautifully on this track, which isn't completely flat, and they have done it with excellent running between the wickets with timely boundaries. It is looking ominous for Kolkata Knight Riders as their bowlers have failed to pick wickets, and to make it worse, Vaibhav Arora has put down a catch just in the last over. Jos Buttler has come out on a mission as he is looking to blaze the ball ov
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Bangs short, outside off, Buttler cuts it to Dre Russ at point.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Slows it up again, outside off, full, Jos Buttler slaps it to long off for a single.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Back of a length, around off, Buttler misses to reverse ramp it.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, IN THE AIR, . AND MUCH WORSE, IT IS A ! Harshit bowls another slower one, fuller and outside off, Jos Buttler throws the kitchen sink at it and goes for a big booming hit downtown, but mistimes it massively off the toe-end. Skews it over mid off, where Vaibhav Arora tries to catch it with a reverse cup, running a few yards backward, but parries it behind into the ropes for a boundary.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, Pace off again, just outside off, on a fullish length, Jos Buttler is early into his shot, and the ball just grips off the surface, nips in and beats Buttler's inside edge.
Harshit Rana to Jos Buttler, TOP EDGE AND ! Not exactly where he intended to hit, but he will take it. Pace off once more, too full, on off, Buttler bends low by changing his stance and tries to reverse sweep it, but it takes a thick top edge and flies over the keeper for a boundary.
An excellent over from Varun Chakaravarthy against the run of play. He gives away just 3 runs in it. Also, Harshit Rana (2-0-27-0) comes back into the attack.Â
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Slower one, fuller and outside off, just jagging back in a touch, Gill cuts it through point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, At 98.9 kph, Varun bowls it fuller and just outside off, Shubman Gill leans on and drives it through cover for a single. A relatively quiet over, just three singles off it.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Dragged length, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it square to deep backward point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Nice and full, around off, pushed to cover.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Jos Buttler, Slower, at 95.1 kph, a googly, full and around off, Jos Buttler chips it in the air, off the inside half of the bat, but luckily for him, it lands just short ahead of mid-wicket.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, A leg-break, on a length, outside off, spinning away, Shubman Gill rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Varun goes fuller and flatter, on off, Shubman Gill prods foward and pushes it firmly back to the bowler.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Not where he intended but Jos Buttler has got off to a rollicking start. Slower ball, a tad short and over the stumps, Buttler shuffles across to scoop it over short fine leg but ends up getting it down to the other side and the ball rolls into the deep third fence.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Oh, Buttler means business! Fuller in length and outside off, Jos Buttler steps out and smacks the ball up and over the cover region for a boundary. A one-two punch from Buttler, taking on the short and the full ball.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Off the mark in style! Short of a length and over off, not short enough and just sits up for the batter. Jos Buttler is quick to get his weight onto the back foot and muscles the pull well in front of square for a boundary.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, Just back of a length and on a tight line around off, Jos Buttler looks to push it on the up through the off side but miscues it across to the leg side.
Andre Russell to Sai Sudharsan, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Dre Russ with a moment of magic and KKR finally have a breakthrough! Another heavy ball from Andre Russell, seam up, on a hard length and around off. This one angles across and bounces a bit extra as well. Sai Sudharsan stays upright and looks to cut close to the body but gets a faint outside edge through to the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes the catch around his face and Sudharsan has to walk back for a well-made 52 (36). GT now 114
Out goes Sudharsan, and in comes Jos Buttler at number 3.
Andre Russell to Shubman Gill, A heavy ball, bowled back of a length and around the fifth stump line, Gill stands tall and punches it square through the off side for a single.
In the drought of wickets, Ajinkya Rahane has now turned towards Andre Russell. He hasn't bowled much this season, though. He replaces Harshit Rana.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nagging length, bowled outside off, Gill looks to drive but miscues it wide of short third for a single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, ! Finds the gap again! Darted in towards the pads, Shubman Gill gets down on one knee and swats the sweep shot aerially and to the left of deep backward square leg. Vaibhav Arora is unable to get around and the ball goes over the ropes.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Floated up, very full and on off, Sudharsan gets the front leg out of the way and hammers it wide of long on where Andre Russell is quick to get to the ball and keeps it down to one.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nice and full, on off and middle, Gill gets a good stride in and works it in front of mid-wicket for a run.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Gets away with it does Narine! Short and down leg, Sudharsan picks it up and heaves it on the bounce to deep fine leg for just another single.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Bowled well short and outside off, Gill with a backfoot-punch towards sweeper cover and he picks up a single.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, ! That's easy pickings for Sudharsan! Short and angled in towards the hips, Sai picks the length early and gets inside the line before pulling it up and over deep backward square leg for a biggie. 100 up for GT as well.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Sai Sudharsan won't lag behind and he too brings up his FIFTY! His 11th half century in the IPL. Back of a length and round off, played off the back foot and wide of deep third for a couple of quick runs. GT's openers will now really look to consolidate this amazing start.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Good, positive running again and that also brings up FIFTY for the GT skipper! Hard length in the channel, Shubman Gill looks to punch it away off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the back pad. The ball rolls onto the deck as the batters scamper through for one. A 23rd IPL half century for Gill! Third fifty this season alone.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Slower again, full and on off, Sudharsan lets the ball come on and just pats it away wide of point for a single.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Wide! Around the wicket comes Rana and angles in a short delivery down the leg side. Sai misses the pull and a wide is called.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Another slower ball, just back of a length and on middle and leg, Sudharsan nudges it to the leg side.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, ! Sublime timing from Sai! Bowled a bit full and angled across off, slower too. Sudharsan has enough time to lean on and punch it firmly to the right of the diving cover fielder for a boundary.
Harshit Rana (1-0-12-0) is back on. He replaces Varun Chakaravarthy.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Gets away with the extra delivery! Bowled very full and around off, gets it to dip, Sai sits down and slogs it on the full to deep mid-wicket for just a single. GT are 89/0 at the halfway mark!
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Shorter in length and over leg stump, tucked away from the crease through mid-wicket for a single. Uh, oh! The siren goes up and a NO BALL is called as Sunil Narine oversteps, a cardinal sin from the spinner. Free Hit to follow...
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Nicely flighted, on a nagging length and around off, Gill blocks it off.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Excellent placement and running!
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Flat and at the stumps, punched off the back foot down to long off for an easy single.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Bowled a bit quicker and just a tad fuller on off, Sudharsan pushes it out into the off side.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, ! Sai picked the length so quickly there! Marginally short on middle, Sudharsan rocks back and pounces all over it, nailing the pull just in front of square leg for another boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, Flighted ball, a bit full on leg and turning away, Sudharsan watchfully just pushes it through mid off and picks up the single right after the boundary, smart batting.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, ! Hammered away! Varun errs on the shorter side again and bowls it outside off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and slaps the ball through extra cover for a boundary.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, On a dragged length and around off, tapped away towards cover for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Nicely played!
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, BEATEN! Quicker delivery, on a length and around off, it is the leg break that turns away from the right-hander. Gill looks to block but is beaten past the outside edge.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, On the shorter side and over off, Sudharsan rocks back and pulls it away firmly to deep mid-wicket for only a single.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Pulls the length back and keeps it around leg, Sudharsan works it away into the on side for just one more. Tidy start from Narine.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Bowled flat and darted in towards the pads, Sudharsan presses back and tucks it away past square leg for a couple of quick runs.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, On the fuller side and dropping it around the pads, Sai fails to flick it away.
Strategic Break. This has been an excellent start, yet again, for the Gujarat Titans. Another occasion where the openers have bossed up the Powerplay. After a sedate start in the first three overs, both have displayed controlled aggression, coupled with excellent running between the wickets. With not much movement on offer, and the residual one waning away after the first couple of overs, Ajinkya Rahane brought in the spinners, who did get some purchase off the deck, but they were negotiated wi
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, 1 run.
Sunil Narine to Sai Sudharsan, Flatter delivery, straight on middle, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and flicks it away through mid-wicket for one more.
Sunil Narine to Shubman Gill, Bowled on a good length around off, curving it away with some extra bounce, Gill pushes it down to cover for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Around the wicket now, bowling it full and angling it across the right-hander, Gill leans on and strokes it to deep cover for one.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Excellent running! On a dragged length and around the off stump, Gill taps the ball across through mid-wicket and races back for the second run.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Just back of a length and around off, slowing it up as well, Gill blocks it from the crease.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! This is controlled aggression from Shubman Gill and he is on fire!
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! Oh, a deft touch now, Gill showing the full range here! Bowled flatter and outside off, Gill waits back and opens the bat face when the ball is almost behind him and glides it down to deep third for a boundary.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, ! Gill's had enough! Tossed-up delivery on the stumps, Shubman Gill dances down the track and whips the ball a long way over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Moeen Ali (2-0-10-0) switches ends. He replaces Harshit Rana.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, Short and touch outside off, Sai drags it to the leg side for no run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Nagging length and around off, Gill drops it down to mid off and gets a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Sai Sudharsan, 1 run.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Dragged length and on the pads, Gill comes forward and tickles it to short fine leg for a single.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, Tossed it up and around off, Gill nudges it to mid on.
Change again. Here's Varun Chakaravarthy for the first time into the attack. He replaces Moeen Ali.
Varun Chakaravarthy to Shubman Gill, ! Shubman Gill greets Varun Chakaravarthy with a boundary here! Short ball and outside off, Gill waits for it and cuts it off late and beats the diving short third to his left for a boundary.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Hard length and around off, Sai hangs back and turns it to mid-wicket for no run.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Lands it fuller and on the pads, Gill nudges it to mid on and runs off a quick single. The fielder there makes a throw to the bowling end but misses.
Harshit Rana to Sai Sudharsan, Keeps it fuller now and outside off, Sudharsan goes on his one knee and drives it through covers for a single.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, Rana drags his length further back and keeps it into the stumps, Gill hops up a bit and drops it down towards point and runs off for a quick single.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, ! CRUNCHED! Hard length and again outside off, Shubman Gill gets inside the line and cuts it hard to the left of backward point for another boundary. Two in two for Gill.
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, ! UP AND OVER! Similar length and again well outside off, Shubman Gill gets enough width to free his arms as he slices it over the cover point fielder for a boundary.Â
Harshit Rana to Shubman Gill, WIDE! On a good length but wide outside off. Called a wide.
Harshit Rana is introduced into the attack. He replaces Vaibhav Arora.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Much shorter now and around off, Sudharsan pats it down straight to extra cover.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Gives flight to a full ball, around off, from around the wicket, Sai goes back and pushes it back to the bowler who stops it on his follow-through.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Full and outside off, Gill drags it with a sweep shot to deep square leg for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, No run.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Moeen drags his length back as he sees the batter charging down and keeps it touch outside off, Gill has to adjust it in the end and he drops it down back to the bowler to his left.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed it up, around off, Sai waits for it and punches it off the back foot towards covers for a quick single again.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On a dragged length and around off, Sai taps it down towards cover point and runs off for a quick single. A steady start for GT after three overs.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, ! GLORIOUS! Vaibhav pitches it up and outside off, invites the batter to go for it. Sai Sudharsan comes forward and shows the full face of the bat to cream his drive through covers for a boundary.Â
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, into the pitch, around off, Gill uses his wrists and turns it towards mid-wicket and runs off for a quick single. Good running between the wickets by both batters!
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, Good length and around off, Sai pats it down towards extra cover and gets a quick single.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, ! PURE TIMING! On a hard length and well outside off, Sai Sudharsan gets inside the line and waits for it before guides it with open bat face to deep backward point for a boundary.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, A tight single! An inswinger, on a length and around off, Shubman Gill clips it to mid on and sets off for a single. The fielder is quick there to collect it and makes a direct hit at the bowler's end but Gill makes it there in time.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, ! PUNISHED! Moeen drops it a bit short and outside off, Sai Sudharsan waits for it and cuts it hard. He beats the diving cover fielder to his left and gets a boundary.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Fliighted, full and around off, Gill comes forward and flicks it to long on for one.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Floated it up, around off, Sudharsan eases out to long off for a single.
Moeen Ali to Shubman Gill, Switches to over the wicket and bowls a short ball, around off, Gill hangs back and pushes it to long on for a single.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Drags his length back a bit and on the pads, drifts in with the angle, Sai presses back and clips it to deep backward square leg for one.
Moeen Ali to Sai Sudharsan, Tossed it up, around off, Sai Sudharsan comes forward and defends it to the off side.
Oh, spin straightaway. It will be Moeen Ali to operate from the far end.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On a hard length and in the channel outside off, Sai Sudharsan covers the line and cuts it towards backward point and runs off for a quick single. A nice one from Vaibhav Arora as he gives only 4 runs in it.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Goes fuller and on the pads, Gill leans on and uses his wrists to flick it to the left of deep square leg for a single to get off the mark.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, around off, Shubman Gill uses his feet and shows the full face of the bat to block it out to cover.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, In-between length, around off, Gill takes a step forward and drops it down to cover.
Vaibhav Arora to Shubman Gill, On a dragged length, on top of off, a hint of inswing, Shubman Gill stands tall and defends it into the pitch.
In all readiness for the action to get underway, here in the City of Joy, Kolkata. And as per the tradition, the bell has rung. This time, by the former India left-arm pacer, and the current GT head coach, Ashish Nehra. The umpires have made their way out. The players of Kolkata Knight Riders now spread out to their respective fielding positions. The pair of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill walk out to the pitch to open for GT. Vaibhav Arora, with the new ball, is raring to go. Off we go...
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, On the pads, slightly fuller length, Sai tucks it towards mid-wicket and gets a single to get off the mark.
Vaibhav Arora to Sai Sudharsan, WIDE! Gujarat Titans are underway with an extra! Arora bowls it on a length and pretty wide outside off, Sai Sudharsan leaves it alone. Called a wide.
Jos Buttler of the Gujarat Titans is up for a flash interview. On that match-winning knock against Delhi Capitals, he says that he always tries to bat till the end and work back from there to the present moment. Also mentions that there were crucial partnerships as well. Says with Sherfane on the other side, they complemented each other pretty well. On Sai Sudharsan, he tells that he has been watching him bat in the nets from day one, and expresses that he was blown away by his talent. Adds that
The skipper of the Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill, says that the dew is not going to be around as he thinks, and hopefully, they will post a good total in the first inning. Highlights the biggest reason for their success has been their bowling, as bowlers have picked wickets, and they have sustained the pressure. Admits that Rashid Khan is a great player in all departments, and any captain would love to have him on the field as he brings a different energy.Â
The captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, Ajinkya Rahane, says that they will bowl first and reckons that the pitch looks a bit on the drier side. Adds that they want to get an idea of how it plays and it is generally a chasing ground. Mentions that they have made a few errors but the players have been working hard and there is enough motivation for everyone. Informs that they have a couple of changes with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Moeen Ali coming in.
Impact player nominations by Kolkata Knight Riders - Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell and Luvnith Sisodia.
Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI) - Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy.Â
Impact player nominations by Gujarat Titans - Ishant Sharma, Karim Janat, Mahipal Lomror, Anuj Rawat and Arshad Khan.
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
TOSS UPDATE - Jinx gives it a flip. Heads is the call from Shubman Gill, but it lands as a Tail. Kolkata Knight Riders have won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first.