Ajinkya Rahane and Shubman Gill (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
KOLKATA: Change is now reverberating in Bengal. And Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking for the same in their home match winning record this season as they return to Eden Gardens almost a month later. The three-time IPL champions got off to a poor start managing just one home win in four matches to open this year’s campaign.They made a remarkable turnaround by winning four games in a row but a loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last match brought them to the brink of elimination once again. In fact, their chances of making the playoffs are more of a mathematical probability than a practical one. Even winning their last three matches, which would take them to a maximum of 15 points, may not be enough as they will have to hope for many other results to go their way. It will not be an easy task for KKR to win three times in a row as they take on Gujarat Titans on Saturday.The outcome of the match is likely to affect GT more than KKR as a win would not only confirm the former’s place in the playoffs but also strengthen their chances of finishing in the top two.The Titans are playing as a well-oiled unit with all bases covered. Even if you manage to restrict their batsmen, the bowlers will be tough on you. Remember how they bowled out a batting powerhouse like Sunrisers Hyderabad for 86 in just the last game.They will start as favorites coming off the back of a five-match winning streak. The former Knight Shubman Guild side will be looking to do the ‘double’ on KKR after a five-wicket defeat in the first leg almost a month ago.It will be a challenge for KKR’s bowling unit to contain Gujarat’s in-form opening duo Gill and Sai Sudharsan. Both of them are among the top 10 run-scorers this season and have been giving the team a great start in almost all the games. Although not in his best form, Jos Buttler has also played a beautiful role in a downward spiral and would love to get back to where he scored an unbeaten 107 in 60 for Rajasthan Royals in 2024.The Washington Suns scoring 50 down the order in the last game should encourage the top three to play more freely. And the bowling unit of Kagiso Rabada, Mohammad Siraj, Parsed Krishna, Jason Holder and Rashid Khan is no soft choice.Read more: IPL Match Today, KKR vs GT: Predicted Playing XI, Head to Head, Toss Time, Pitch Report, Kolkata Weather Update
