Gujarat Titans (GT) are clear favourites to beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 25 of IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday, April 17. Bookmakers price GT around 1.60-1.68 odds (implied win probability of ~60-62%).
Vs
Narendra Modi Stadium
17 April 2026 07:30 PM
GT are 2-2 with back-to-back wins over DC and LSG, sitting 6th on the points table. KKR are winless at 0-4 + 1 washout, rooted to the bottom with just 1 point. Prasidh Krishna leads the Purple Cap race with 10 wickets. This article covers the odds, predicted XIs, pitch report, weather, head-to-head, and match prediction.
How GT and KKR Have Started IPL 2026
GT had a shaky start with back-to-back losses to PBKS and RR (lost by 6 runs in a thriller). But they have since bounced back with two consecutive wins over DC (by 1 run in a last-ball thriller) and LSG (Prasidh 4/28 setting up a comfortable win). Currently 6th on the table with 4 points.
Shubman Gill averages 46.25 versus KKR at a strike rate of 147 and scored 56 in their last match. Sai Sudharsan smashed 73 at this very venue against RR and has been GT’s most consistent batter. Prasidh Krishna now holds the Purple Cap with 10 wickets at an average of just 15.20, making him the most lethal bowler in IPL 2026.
KKR are in a full-blown crisis. They have 0 wins from 5 matches (1 washout giving them 1 point), making them the only winless team in IPL 2026. Their batting has looked explosive at times but inconsistent overall. Finn Allen has been a massive disappointment with just 81 runs in 5 matches at a dismal average of 16.2 (37 off 17 vs MI, 28 off 7 vs SRH, 7, 9, 1). Despite a SR of 192.85, his inability to build innings has hurt KKR badly.
Ajinkya Rahane (152 runs at SR 149) has been KKR’s most stable batter. Vaibhav Arora leads their bowling with 6 wickets but concedes at 12 an over. Kartik Tyagi (2/35 vs CSK) has impressed with his pace and control. Cameron Green and Rinku Singh have underperformed, and KKR may bring in Tim Seifert to replace the struggling Allen.
GT vs KKR Match Details
Here are the key details for Match 25 of IPL 2026.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | GT vs KKR, 25th Match |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 |
| Date | Friday, April 17, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (evening game) |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network / JioHotstar |
GT vs KKR Betting Odds Comparison
GT are strong favourites at home. Their 2-match winning streak, Prasidh Krishna’s Purple Cap form, and KKR’s winless run make this one of the more lopsided matches of the tournament.
| Platform | GT Win Odds | KKR Win Odds | Implied GT Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.62 | 2.30 | ~62% |
| Bet365 | 1.65 | 2.25 | ~61% |
| 1xBet | 1.68 | 2.20 | ~60% |
| Betfair | 1.60 | 2.35 | ~62% |
GT sit at roughly 60-62% implied win probability. Home advantage at the Narendra Modi Stadium, two wins on the bounce, and Prasidh Krishna’s devastating form (10 wickets, avg 15.20) all favour GT. KKR’s only path to victory involves an explosive batting performance and flawless execution with the ball.
GT vs KKR Predicted Playing XIs
GT are expected to be unchanged after two consecutive wins. Rahane leads KKR (Gambhir still serving as mentor), and they may drop Finn Allen for Tim Seifert after 81 runs in 5 matches.
Gujarat Titans (GT) Predicted XI
Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, Rahul Tewatia, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada / Arshad Khan.
Shubman Gill averages 46.25 vs KKR at SR 147. His home ground form is exceptional, and he scored 56 in the LSG win. Sai Sudharsan (73 vs RR at this venue) has been the most consistent batter. Jos Buttler at No. 3 provides explosive power.
Prasidh Krishna (Purple Cap, 10 wickets at 15.20 avg) is arguably the most in-form bowler in IPL 2026. Mohammed Siraj adds new-ball swing, and Rashid Khan controls the middle overs. Azmatullah Omarzai and Washington Sundar provide all-round quality that gives GT flexibility.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Predicted XI
Tim Seifert (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Anukul Roy / Matheesha Pathirana.
Tim Seifert may replace Finn Allen after Allen’s woeful 81 runs in 5 matches. Rahane (152 runs, SR 149) has been KKR’s anchor, though his strike rate drops to 130 after the powerplay. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been their most consistent young batter.
Varun Chakravarthy (T20 WC 2026 joint-highest wicket-taker) and Sunil Narine provide two world-class spinners. Vaibhav Arora (6 wickets but economy 12) has been wicket-prone but expensive. Kartik Tyagi (2/35 vs CSK) has impressed, and Matheesha Pathirana is available for selection after his NOC.
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is one of IPL’s largest venues with longer boundaries than most Indian grounds. The pitch offers true bounce and red soil base helps scoring, but the boundary dimensions make this a more balanced contest than Wankhede or Chinnaswamy.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Behaviour | Red soil base, true bounce. Pacers get early swing. Spinners get some grip. |
| Batting Conditions | Good once set. Longer boundaries mean clean hitting is rewarded more than slogging. |
| Bowling Conditions | Pacers effective with new ball and at death. Spinners can control middle overs. |
| Avg. 1st Innings Score | Around 180-190. 200+ possible on good nights. |
| Boundary Dimensions | Large boundaries (~75-80m straight, 65-70m square) |
| Toss Impact | Chasing preferred in IPL 2026 (21 of 22 toss winners fielded first this season) |
Large Boundaries Favour Smart Cricket Over Slogging
Unlike Wankhede or Chinnaswamy, the Narendra Modi Stadium rewards technique and placement over brute power. The large boundaries mean slog-hitters get caught on the rope more often. This is a big concern for KKR whose entire batting philosophy is built around power hitting.
GT’s batters are better suited to these conditions. Gill and Sudharsan play classical cricket shots that travel well even when not perfectly timed. KKR’s reliance on Russell-style hitting is less effective here, which is reflected in their poor record at Ahmedabad historically.
Weather Forecast for GT vs KKR
Extreme heat in Ahmedabad for this Friday evening fixture.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 38-40°C (extremely hot, even in evening) |
| Weather | Partly cloudy, no rain forecast |
| Rain Probability | 10% (minimal risk) |
| Humidity | Low |
| Wind | Weak winds |
| Dew Factor | Minimal dew at this venue due to dry conditions |
No weather concerns for match completion. However, the extreme heat (40°C+ during the day per live data) will test fielders’ stamina severely, especially visiting KKR players. Ahmedabad tends to have less dew than coastal venues like Mumbai or Chennai, which reduces the chasing advantage somewhat.
GT vs KKR Head-to-Head Record in IPL
GT have dominated this short but intense rivalry. Since GT’s introduction in 2022, they have a superior head-to-head record against KKR, particularly at home in Ahmedabad.
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| GT in IPL Since | 2022 (won title in debut season) |
| GT’s Record vs KKR | Strong advantage |
| GT’s Home Record | Consistently strong at Narendra Modi Stadium |
| Recent Form (IPL 2026) | GT: 2W 2L | KKR: 0W 4L (1 washout) |
| Key GT Player vs KKR | Shubman Gill averages 46.25 at SR 147 vs KKR |
| Key KKR Concern | Finn Allen: 81 runs in 5 matches at avg 16.2 |
KKR Desperately Need a Win to Save Their Campaign
The brutal truth for KKR: they are 0 wins from 5 matches. Another loss here and their playoff chances are effectively finished. No team has ever qualified for IPL playoffs from a 0-6 or worse start, and the mathematical pressure is enormous.
For GT, this is a chance to make it 3 wins in a row and climb into the top 4. Gill’s home ground form (averages 46.25 vs KKR specifically), Sudharsan’s 73 at this venue vs RR, and Prasidh’s Purple Cap form all suggest GT should win comfortably.
Key Players to Watch
GT’s in-form unit vs a desperate KKR side. Here are the players who could decide Friday’s contest in Ahmedabad.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | GT | Captain averages 46.25 vs KKR at SR 147. Scored 56 in last match. His home ground (Ahmedabad) record is exceptional. Sets tone for GT’s entire batting. |
| Sai Sudharsan | GT | 73 vs RR at this very venue. GT’s most consistent batter in IPL 2026. Left-handed opener who thrives on the longer boundaries at Narendra Modi Stadium. |
| Prasidh Krishna | GT | Purple Cap holder with 10 wickets at avg 15.20. Best bowling average in IPL 2026. His length and pace at death is devastating under Ahmedabad conditions. |
| Rashid Khan | GT | Mystery spin king. On a surface that offers some grip, his googlies and leg-breaks could strangle KKR’s middle order between overs 7-16. |
| Ajinkya Rahane | KKR | 152 runs at SR 149. Captain and KKR’s most stable batter. His 41 in last match anchored KKR’s 181. Needs a big innings to give KKR a fighting chance. |
| Varun Chakravarthy | KKR | T20 WC 2026 joint-highest wicket-taker. On a spin-friendly surface, his variations could trouble GT’s right-hand-heavy top order. |
| Cameron Green | KKR | Hasn’t fired yet. Australian all-rounder with pace and power. A big innings or bowling spell from Green is KKR’s most realistic path to an upset. |
Toss Prediction
In IPL 2026, 21 of 22 toss winners have chosen to field first. The only exception was Rajasthan at this very venue against GT (won by 6 runs batting first).
Both Gill and Rahane will want to bowl first and chase. However, Rahane has a 50% toss win rate this season while Gill has won just 1 of 4 tosses (25%) and 0 at home in Ahmedabad. This gives KKR a slight statistical edge at the toss, even though it won’t change the overall match prediction.
Match Prediction
GT are in form, at home, on a surface that suits them. KKR are desperate but lacking the tools to pull off an upset against this in-form GT side.
Where GT Holds the Edge
Home advantage at the Narendra Modi Stadium is significant. The large boundaries suit GT’s classical batting approach (Gill, Sudharsan, Buttler) far better than KKR’s slog-heavy style. Gill’s exceptional record against KKR specifically (46.25 avg, SR 147) adds another layer to GT’s home advantage.
Prasidh Krishna is simply the best bowler in IPL 2026. 10 wickets at an average of 15.20 is exceptional. On a Narendra Modi Stadium surface that offers bounce, his length balls could demolish KKR’s top order. Rashid Khan controls the middle overs, and Siraj adds new-ball swing. This is a complete bowling attack.
Form and momentum favour GT massively. Two consecutive wins (DC by 1 run, LSG with Prasidh 4/28) have built confidence. GT have shown they can win both tight and dominant matches. Against a 0-5 KKR side, this is an ideal opportunity to climb into the top 4.
Where KKR Holds the Edge
Desperation and pressure release could work in KKR’s favour. Sometimes teams facing elimination play their most fearless cricket. KKR have nothing to lose at 0-5. If their spin twins (Narine, Varun) and pace duo (Arora, Tyagi) all fire, KKR have the talent to beat anyone on a good day.
Varun Chakravarthy at a spin-friendly venue is a genuine weapon. He was joint-highest wicket-taker at the T20 World Cup 2026. Combined with Narine, KKR have two world-class spinners who could restrict GT to 150-160 if conditions suit.
Rahane’s better toss record (50% vs Gill’s 25% and 0% at home) gives KKR a small but real advantage. If KKR win the toss and chase, Ahmedabad’s modest dew could still help them marginally in the second innings.
Key Concerns For Both Teams
GT’s concern is complacency against a winless opponent. KKR will come out firing knowing their season depends on this result. Gill’s home toss record (0 for 4) is also slightly worrying, and the extreme 40°C+ heat could test GT’s seamers. Kagiso Rabada has been inconsistent, and the middle order beyond Gill and Sudharsan needs to fire more regularly.
KKR’s concerns are numerous. Finn Allen (81 runs in 5 matches at avg 16.2) has been a disaster at the top. Cameron Green and Rinku Singh haven’t made impact. Their bowling economy has been poor despite Arora’s 6 wickets (at 12 per over). On a ground with large boundaries, their power-hitting approach is less effective. Most importantly, the psychological weight of being 0-5 is crushing.
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Final Verdict
GT hold a strong edge at around 60-62%. Home advantage, two wins on the bounce, Prasidh’s Purple Cap form, Gill’s exceptional record vs KKR, and KKR’s 0-5 crisis all point decisively towards a GT victory.
KKR’s best chance is their spin duo (Varun + Narine) restricting GT to a chaseable total and Rahane playing an anchor knock. But with their batting misfiring and their confidence at rock bottom, even a perfect bowling performance may not be enough.
Expect a moderate-scoring contest with a par score around 180-195 on the Narendra Modi Stadium surface. The larger boundaries mean we probably won’t see the 220+ run-fests of Wankhede or Chinnaswamy. Smart cricket, good running, and disciplined bowling will likely win this one.
