Kolkata Knight Riders have won the toss and chosen to bat first against Gujarat Titans in Match 25 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Gujarat Titans, coming off consecutive wins, are hosting this game, while Kolkata Knight Riders are seeking their first victory in the tournament.
After winning the toss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane mentioned that Tim Seifert from New Zealand is replacing Finn Allen as the wicketkeeper-batter. Rahane emphasized the importance of allowing their batters to play freely and with confidence, aiming to change their tournament’s course by setting a good total.
GT skipper Shubman Gill expressed that his team remains unchanged and would have preferred to bowl first due to the increasing heat leading to potential dew. He highlighted the need for simplicity and consistency in executing basic skills, especially after their recent middle-order collapse in the previous match against Rajasthan Royals.
The pitch conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium feature straight boundaries at 72 meters and square boundaries at 66 meters, making run-chases challenging. Commentators Daren Ganga and Simon Katich observed a favorable batting surface with opportunities for bowlers to exploit pace and bounce. Despite the hot weather, spinners might find limited assistance unless there is a green tinge and moisture aiding stroke-making.
