IPL 2026: Match 25, GT vs KKR Match Prediction – Pitch Report, Playing XI & Final Verdict

Cricket fans, get ready for an exciting match in the Indian Premier League 2026. Match number 25 will be played between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

This match is going to be very interesting because both teams are in completely different situations. Gujarat Titans have gained good momentum after winning their last two matches. On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders are still searching for their first win of the season and are currently at the bottom of the points table.

In this article, I will give you a complete and real analysis of this match. You will find everything — pitch report, probable playing XI, key players who can change the game, toss prediction, weather update, and finally my honest match prediction. No fake news, just real facts and simple English so that every cricket fan can understand easily.

Let’s start.

Quick Match Details at a Glance

Team 1: Gujarat Titans – Coming Back Strong After a Slow Start

Gujarat Titans started their IPL 2026 campaign with two losses — first against Punjab Kings and then a close 6-run loss against Rajasthan Royals. But they have made a strong comeback. They won their next two matches — one against Delhi Capitals on the last ball and then a very impressive 7-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants.

In their last match against Lucknow Super Giants, GT chased down a target of 165 runs in just 18.4 overs. Captain Shubman Gill scored a solid 56 runs, and Jos Buttler contributed a brilliant 60. In bowling, Prasidh Krishna was the star, taking 4 wickets for just 28 runs in his 4 overs.

Current position in points table: After 4 matches, GT has 4 points (2 wins, 2 losses) and is currently in 6th position.

GT Full Squad for IPL 2026

Batters and Wicketkeepers: Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Tom Banton, Glenn Phillips, Nishant Sindhu

All-rounders: Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Arshad Khan, Jayant Yadav, Sai Kishore

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Sharma, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Manav Suthar, Luke Wood

GT Strengths

1. Strong Top Order: The opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan has been excellent. Last season, GT’s top three batters averaged 55.05, the best in the league. Jos Buttler at number 3 adds more power.

2. World-Class Spin Attack: Rashid Khan is one of the best spinners in T20 cricket. He can control the middle overs and pick up important wickets.

3. Pace Variety: With Mohammed Siraj for powerplay wickets, Prasidh Krishna for middle and death overs, and Kagiso Rabada for pace, GT has a well-balanced pace attack.

4. Good All-Rounders: Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia can contribute with both bat and ball. Jason Holder, bought for ₹7 crore in the auction, adds depth at the death overs.

GT Weaknesses

1. Fielding Issues: Last season, GT dropped the most catches (28 in 15 matches). This is an area they need to improve.

2. Middle Order Inexperience: If the top three fail early, the middle order has less experience in handling pressure situations.

3. No Home Advantage Yet: GT lost their only home match this season against Rajasthan Royals, so they will want to change that record here.

GT Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)

• vs LSG (Away): WON by 7 wickets

• vs DC (Away): WON on last ball

• vs RR (Home): LOST by 6 runs

• vs PBKS (Away): LOST by 5 wickets

Team 2: Kolkata Knight Riders – A Season of Struggle So Far

The three-time IPL champions (2012, 2014, 2024) have had a nightmare start to IPL 2026. They have played 5 matches so far and are still without a win. Their only point came from a rain-washed match against Punjab Kings.

In their last match against Chennai Super Kings, KKR lost by 32 runs. They were chasing 192 but could only manage 160. Rovman Powell (31) and Ramandeep Singh (35) tried their best, but the top order failed to give a good start.

Current position in points table: After 5 matches, KKR has 1 point (0 wins, 4 losses, 1 No Result) and is in 10th position (last place).

KKR Full Squad for IPL 2026

Batters and Wicketkeepers: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Finn Allen (wk), Tim Seifert (wk), Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rahul Tripathi, Tejasvi Dahiya

All-rounders: Cameron Green, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell, Sarthak Ranjan, Daksh Kamra, Rachin Ravindra

Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Umran Malik, Matheesha Pathirana, Prashant Solanki, Blessing Muzarabani (replacement)

KKR Strengths

1. World-Class Spin Duo: Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine form arguably the best spin combination in IPL. Last season, KKR’s spinners conceded only 7.63 runs per over, the best in the league.

2. Power Hitters in Middle Order: Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh can hit big sixes in the death overs.

3. Experienced Captain: Ajinkya Rahane, who was KKR’s top scorer last season with 390 runs, knows how to handle pressure situations.

4. Finn Allen’s Aggression: The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter has a T20 strike rate of 196.32 since 2025, the second-best among openers. He can destroy any bowling attack on his day.

KKR Weaknesses (Major Concerns)

1. Fast Bowling Crisis: This is KKR’s biggest problem. Key bowlers are missing:

   • Harshit Rana – knee surgery, likely out for most of the season

   • Matheesha Pathirana – muscle injury

   • Akash Deep – back stress injury, ruled out completely

   • Mustafizur Rahman – not available

2. Cameron Green’s Poor Form: KKR spent a record ₹25.20 crore on Cameron Green, but he has not performed well so far. His poor form is raising questions about the auction strategy.

3. Middle Overs Struggle: Last season, KKR had the lowest run rate (7.05 runs per over) in overs 7 to 14. This continues to be a problem.

4. No Andre Russell: The legendary all-rounder has moved to a mentor role, leaving a big gap in both batting and bowling.

KKR Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)

• vs CSK (Away): LOST by 32 runs

• vs LSG (Home): LOST in last-ball thriller

• vs PBKS (Home): NO RESULT (rain)

• vs SRH (Home): LOST

• vs MI (Away): LOST

Head-to-Head Record: GT vs KKR in IPL History

This is one area where Gujarat Titans have a clear advantage. Looking at the head-to-head record:

So GT leads 3-1 in completed matches.

Highest Team Total in GT vs KKR Matches

207/7 by KKR (April 9, 2023, in Ahmedabad)

Lowest Team Total

148/8 by KKR (April 23, 2022, in Mumbai)

Most Runs in GT vs KKR Matches

Shubman Gill (GT) – 185 runs in 4 matches, average 46.25, strike rate 146.82

Most Wickets in GT vs KKR Matches

Rashid Khan (GT) – 7 wickets in 4 matches, economy rate 8.62

Best Bowling Figures

Andre Russell (KKR) – 4 wickets for 5 runs

Individual Highest Score

Shubman Gill (GT) – 90 runs off 55 balls (April 21, 2025, at Eden Gardens)

Last Match Result

GT won by 39 runs on April 21, 2025, at Eden Gardens

Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – Pitch Report

The Narendra Modi Stadium is the largest cricket stadium in the world. The pitch here is generally very good for batting.

What the Pitch Offers

1. Flat and Batting-Friendly Surface: The ball comes nicely onto the bat with good pace and bounce. This makes shot-playing much easier for batters. In the only match played here this season (GT vs RR), more than 410 runs were scored in total.

2. Help for Fast Bowlers Early On: Pacers can get some lateral movement with the new ball, especially in the first 4-5 overs. So the initial overs are crucial for bowlers.

3. Spinners Get Help Later: As the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, and spinners can grip the ball. This makes batting slightly difficult in the middle overs.

4. High-Scoring Venue: The average first innings score at this stadium is around 178 runs. In the last two matches here, the first innings score was well over 200.

IPL Stats at Narendra Modi Stadium

Toss Decision – What Should the Captain Choose?

The statistics show a very interesting fact – batting first and batting second have almost equal success at this ground (23 wins vs 22 wins). However, the pitch tends to slow down in the second innings, so batting first may have a slight advantage.

But in T20 cricket, most captains prefer to chase because they know the exact target. Also, due to Ahmedabad’s hot weather (around 37°C on match day), fielding first and chasing can be tiring.

My Toss Prediction: The captain who wins the toss is likely to choose to bat first based on recent trends at this venue.

Probable Playing XIs for Match 25

Gujarat Titans (GT) – Predicted Playing XI

1. Sai Sudharsan – Left-handed opener, consistent performer

2. Shubman Gill (C) – Captain, in great form, highest run-scorer in GT vs KKR matches

3. Jos Buttler (WK) – Explosive wicketkeeper-batter, scored 60 in last match

4. Washington Sundar – All-rounder, can bowl economical overs in powerplay

5. Glenn Phillips – Powerful middle-order batter, good against spin

6. Rahul Tewatia – Known for finishing games under pressure

7. Rashid Khan – World-class leg-spinner, can also hit big sixes

8. Kagiso Rabada – Fast bowler with good yorkers at death

9. Mohammed Siraj – Swing bowler, good in powerplay

10. Ashok Sharma – Rookie pacer who impressed in last match

11. Prasidh Krishna – Leading wicket-taker for GT this season

Impact Player: Shahrukh Khan (can be used as an extra batter or bowler depending on situation)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Predicted Playing XI

1. Finn Allen – Aggressive opener, strike rate 196+ in T20s since 2025

2. Ajinkya Rahane (C) – Experienced captain, anchors the innings

3. Cameron Green – Cost ₹25.20 crore, needs to perform

4. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK) – Young talent, KKR’s best batter this season

5. Rovman Powell – West Indian power-hitter, dangerous in death overs

6. Rinku Singh – Famous for finishing games, reliable middle-order batter

7. Ramandeep Singh – Useful all-rounder, scored 35 in last match

8. Anukul Roy – Left-arm spinner, economical

9. Sunil Narine – Mystery spinner, still very effective

10. Varun Chakravarthy – Leg-spinner, KKR’s best wicket-taker

11. Kartik Tyagi – Young fast bowler, bowls good yorkers

Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora / Umran Malik (depending on pitch conditions)

Key Players Who Can Win the Match

For Gujarat Titans

1. Shubman Gill (Captain & Batter)

• 185 runs in 4 matches against KKR at an average of 46.25

• Scored 56 in last match, in great form

• Can anchor the innings and also accelerate when needed

2. Jos Buttler (Wicketkeeper-Batter)

• Scored 60 in last match against LSG

• Experience of playing in high-pressure matches

• Can take down any bowling attack

3. Prasidh Krishna (Bowler)

• Leading wicket-taker for GT with 10 wickets in 4 matches

• Took 4 wickets for 28 runs in last match

• Very effective in middle and death overs

4. Rashid Khan (Bowler)

• Most wickets in GT vs KKR matches (7 in 4 matches)

• Economy rate of 8.62 against KKR

• Can change the match with both bat and ball

For Kolkata Knight Riders

1. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Batter & Wicketkeeper)

• KKR’s best batter this season

• Young and fearless, plays aggressively

• Can build partnerships in the middle order

2. Sunil Narine (Bowler)

• Experienced mystery spinner

• Very economical in middle overs

• Can also contribute quick runs with the bat if needed

3. Kartik Tyagi (Bowler)

• Bowls fast yorkers in death overs

• Took 2 wickets in last match

• Can restrict runs in the final overs

4. Varun Chakravarthy (Bowler)

• Leg-spinner who has troubled many batters

• KKR’s main wicket-taker

• His variations are hard to read

Match Scenarios – How the Game Could Play Out

Scenario 1: If Gujarat Titans Bat First

GT’s strong top order (Sudharsan, Gill, Buttler) will try to score quickly in the first 6 overs. If they don’t lose early wickets, they can aim for a total between 180 and 190 runs. Their bowlers, especially Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan, will then try to defend this total. The pitch slowing down in the second innings will help them.

Scenario 2: If Kolkata Knight Riders Bat First

KKR will rely on Finn Allen to give them an explosive start. If he succeeds, KKR can score big. If not, the middle order (Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Powell) will need to build partnerships. Their target will be around 175 to 185 runs. Their spinners Narine and Chakravarthy will then try to put pressure on GT’s top order.

Weather Report for Ahmedabad – April 17, 2026

• Temperature: Around 37°C during match time

• Humidity: About 19% (dry weather)

• Rain: No chance of rain as per forecasts

• Wind: Light breeze expected

Good news – there is no chance of rain, so we will get a full 40-over match.

Match Prediction – Who Will Win?

Now let’s come to the most important question – GT vs KKR, who will win?

Looking at all the facts and real analysis:

Why Gujarat Titans Have the Edge

1. Better Form: GT has won their last 2 matches. KKR has not won a single match in 5 attempts.

2. Strong Head-to-Head Record: GT leads 3-1 against KKR.

3. Home Advantage: Even though they lost their only home match, GT knows the conditions well.

4. Bowling Depth: GT has Rabada, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Rashid Khan – all world-class bowlers. KKR’s bowling attack is depleted due to injuries.

5. Captain’s Form: Shubman Gill is scoring runs regularly. Ajinkya Rahane is struggling with strike rate.

6. Batting Balance: GT’s top three (Sudharsan, Gill, Buttler) are among the best in IPL. KKR’s batting has not clicked as a unit.

Why Kolkata Knight Riders Can Still Win (The X-Factor)

1. Spin Duo: Narine and Chakravarthy can choke GT’s scoring in middle overs.

2. Desperation: A team that has nothing to lose can sometimes play freely and win.

3. Individual Brilliance: If Finn Allen or Rovman Powell has a great day, KKR can score big.

4. Pressure Factor: GT is expected to win, which can sometimes create pressure on the favorites.

Final Verdict

Gujarat Titans are the clear favorites to win this match. Based on current momentum, squad balance, head-to-head record, and overall form, GT has a 70-75% chance of winning. KKR will need a near-perfect performance to get their first win of the season.

However, this is T20 cricket. Anything can happen. If KKR’s spinners take early wickets and their top order fires, they can surprise everyone.

My Prediction: Gujarat Titans will win Match 25 of IPL 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What time does GT vs KKR match start?

A: The match starts at 7:30 PM IST on April 17, 2026. The toss will happen at 7:00 PM IST.

Q2: Where can I watch GT vs KKR live?

A: You can watch live on Star Sports Network channels on TV. For live streaming, use JioHotstar app or website.

Q3: Who is the captain of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026?

A: Shubman Gill is the captain of Gujarat Titans.

Q4: Who is the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026?

A: Ajinkya Rahane is the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders.

Q5: What is the head-to-head record between GT and KKR?

A: Out of 5 matches, GT has won 3, KKR has won 1, and 1 match had no result.

Q6: Which player has scored the most runs in GT vs KKR matches?

A: Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans has scored 185 runs in 4 matches against KKR.

Q7: Which player has taken the most wickets in GT vs KKR matches?

A: Rashid Khan of Gujarat Titans has taken 7 wickets in 4 matches against KKR.

Q8: Is there any injury in GT or KKR squad?

A: As of April 17, 2026, no major injury has been reported for GT. KKR has multiple injury issues in their fast bowling department.

Q9: What is the average first innings score at Narendra Modi Stadium?

A: The average first innings score is around 178 runs.

Q10: Who will win today’s match – GT or KKR?

A: Based on current form and team balance, Gujarat Titans are expected to win.

Final Words

This match is very important for both teams. For Gujarat Titans, a win will take them higher in the points table and continue their winning momentum. For Kolkata Knight Riders, this is almost a do-or-die situation. If they lose this match, their chances of qualifying for the playoffs become extremely difficult.

As a cricket fan, all we can hope for is an exciting, high-quality match. May the best team win.

Thank you for reading this detailed match prediction. Enjoy the match!