Gujarat Titans (GT) will field Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and Jos Buttler, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) turn to Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy in Match 25 of IPL 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST.
Currently, GT sit 6th on the points table with two wins from four games, whereas KKR remain at rock-bottom with zero wins from five outings. Consequently, this match is a must-win for the three-time champions, although GT hold the psychological advantage with back-to-back victories.
GT Playing 11 Today
Because GT have won their last two matches, they are unlikely to change a winning formula. Accordingly, Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill continue as the opening pair, since they average 75.50 runs together against KKR.
Furthermore, Jos Buttler brings explosive power at No. 3, striking at over 158 this season. Additionally, Glenn Phillips and Rahul Tewatia add middle-order depth, while Washington Sundar offers the all-round balance GT need.
On the bowling front, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna form one of the strongest four-pronged attacks in IPL 2026. Moreover, Ashok Sharma completes the XI as the fifth bowling option.
GT Predicted XI: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma, Prasidh Krishna.
KKR Playing 11 Today
With five winless games behind them, Kolkata Knight Riders face enormous pressure to find the right combination. As a result, Ajinkya Rahane leads the side, but the top-order shuffle remains KKR’s biggest headache this season.
Specifically, Cameron Green at No. 3 provides overseas firepower, while Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell handle the middle and death overs. However, KKR’s bowling remains their weakest link, despite Varun Chakravarthy‘s mystery spin.
Besides that, Sunil Narine continues to open alongside Rahane, though his form with the bat has dipped lately. In addition, Kartik Tyagi and Vaibhav Arora share the new ball, although neither has looked threatening consistently.
KKR Predicted XI: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi.
Impact Player Picks for Both Sides
GT Impact Sub: Shahrukh Khan
Since GT often need a big-hitting option in the death overs, Shahrukh Khan becomes the ideal impact player. Notably, his six-hitting ability against spin makes him a dangerous option if Varun Chakravarthy operates in the middle overs.
KKR Impact Sub: Finn Allen
Similarly, Finn Allen could walk in as KKR’s impact sub, adding a left-handed explosive option at the top. Although Allen’s form this season has not been great, his ability to clear boundaries from ball one gives KKR a chance in high-scoring chases.
Key Players to Watch in Match 25
Firstly, the battle between Shubman Gill and Varun Chakravarthy will likely set the tone for this contest. Similarly, the duel between Rashid Khan and Rinku Singh promises fireworks, given Rinku’s history of hitting sixes in high-pressure chases at this very ground.
| Player | Team | Role | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | GT | Captain / Opener | 165 runs in 3 matches; avg 50+; 185 runs vs KKR in H2H |
| Jos Buttler | GT | WK-Batter | Striking at 158+ this season; avg 55.4 at Ahmedabad in IPL |
| Rashid Khan | GT | Leg-spinner | 7 wickets in 4 matches vs KKR; top wicket-taker in this rivalry |
| Kagiso Rabada | GT | Pace Spearhead | World-class pacer; lethal at death; key with the new ball |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | All-rounder | 180+ IPL wickets; opens batting; KKR’s most experienced player |
| Varun Chakravarthy | KKR | Mystery Spinner | Best spinner for KKR; effective in middle overs; threats on turning tracks |
| Rinku Singh | KKR | Finisher | Famous for 5 sixes vs GT in 2023; KKR’s best hope at the death |
Head-to-Head Record: GT vs KKR
Across 5 IPL meetings, GT dominate with 3 wins to KKR‘s 1, while one game ended without a result. Notably, GT hold a commanding 75% win rate in this rivalry.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 5 |
| GT Wins | 3 |
| KKR Wins | 1 |
| No Result | 1 (Washout in 2024) |
| Highest Score (GT) | 204/4 (in 2023) |
| Highest Score (KKR) | 207/7 (in 2023) |
| Lowest Score (GT) | 156/9 (in 2022) |
| Lowest Score (KKR) | 148/8 (in 2022) |
| Most Runs | Shubman Gill (185 runs) |
| Most Wickets | Rashid Khan (7 wickets) |
Additionally, KKR’s only win came during the famous Rinku Singh five-sixes chase in Ahmedabad in 2023, when they chased down 207 with 3 wickets to spare. However, GT have since won both completed encounters.
Pitch Report & Weather Forecast
Firstly, the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch delivers consistent bounce and pace, with the average first-innings T20 score around 178 historically. Furthermore, the only game here in IPL 2026 produced a first-innings score of 210, showing the surface remains batting-friendly.
Secondly, the Ahmedabad weather forecast shows scorching heat at 40°C during the day, cooling to around 26°C by match time. Consequently, there is zero chance of rain, but heavy dew will arrive during the second innings, and therefore chasing sides gain a clear edge.
Besides that, the square boundaries measure between 61 and 67 metres, while the straight boundary stretches to 73-89 metres. As a result, big-hitters consistently target the shorter square regions for sixes.
Match Prediction: Who Wins Today?
Gujarat Titans start as clear favourites for this clash, especially since they are riding a two-match winning streak at home. Specifically, GT’s bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada, simply outguns KKR’s misfiring pace unit.
On the other hand, KKR need a miracle turnaround after five winless games. However, the world’s largest cricket stadium has witnessed miracles before, and Rinku Singh’s 2023 heroics at this very ground remind us that KKR are never truly out of it.
As for the toss, the captain winning the flip will likely bowl first to exploit the dew factor later. Ultimately, GT are predicted to win this contest and therefore strengthen their push toward the top four.
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Final Word
To sum up, the GT vs KKR Match 25 clash pits a resurgent home side against the IPL’s only winless team. If Shubman Gill fires alongside Buttler, then KKR’s bowling could face a very long night under the Motera lights.
Otherwise, expect a desperate KKR to throw everything they have, though GT’s all-round quality should prevail. Either way, the world’s largest stadium deserves a blockbuster.
