Shubman Gill blamed Gujarat Titans’ poor fielding display for their 29-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders, saying the side “didn’t deserve to win” after dropping multiple catches during the high-scoring IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens on Saturday.
GT’s five-match winning streak came to an end despite a spirited chase led by Gill’s 85, Jos Buttler’s 57 and Sai Sudharsan’s unbeaten 53. Chasing a mammoth 248, Gujarat eventually finished on 218/4 as KKR stayed alive in the playoff race.
Reflecting on the defeat, Gill felt Gujarat had actually done well with the bat but failed badly in the field.
“Looking at the wicket, 200-210 was par score but we dropped too many catches. Pitch was good, the odd one was stopping but I felt we batted well to get to the score we did,” Gill said after the match.
GT’s fielding errors proved extremely costly as KKR took full advantage of the missed chances. Finn Allen was dropped twice before smashing a breathtaking 93 off just 35 balls with 10 sixes, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green were also handed reprieves before scoring unbeaten fifties.
Gill admitted the Titans failed to maintain the standards they had set earlier in the tournament.
“No concerns but our fielding could’ve been a lot better. We set a certain standard and dropping 3 sitters – we didn’t deserve to win this one,” Gill said.
Despite the loss, the Gujarat skipper believes the defeat could serve as a timely wake-up call ahead of the playoffs.
“Looking at it that way, best to have a game like this now than in the Qualifiers,” he added.
Earlier in the chase, GT looked well in control with Gill leading the counterattack in style. The opener smashed five fours and seven sixes in his 49-ball 85, while Buttler gradually found rhythm after a slow start. Sudharsan, who briefly retired hurt after taking a blow on the elbow, returned later to complete a fighting half-century.
At 177/1 after 16 overs, Gujarat still appeared capable of chasing down the target before Sunil Narine produced a crucial over to swing momentum back in KKR’s favour.
KKR had earlier piled up 247/2 after being sent in to bat by Gill. Allen’s explosive knock set the tone before Raghuvanshi’s unbeaten 82 and Green’s unbeaten 52 powered the hosts to their highest score of the season.
The defeat leaves Gujarat Titans second on the IPL 2026 points table with 16 points from 13 matches, while KKR moved closer to the playoff spots with a much-needed win.
Gill said the Titans would now focus on recovering before heading back home for their next fixture.
“I think rest and recover for a couple of days, travel back to Ahmedabad, see how the wicket is and then plan accordingly (for the next game),” Gill said
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