KKR Qualification Scenario: How Can Kolkata Knight Riders Qualify For Playoffs After 29-Run Win Over Gujarat Titans At Eden Gardens? Explained

By Samira Vishwas On May 17, 2026

KKR vs GT, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have somehow managed to stay alive in the race for IPL 2026 playoffs race as they beat the Gujarat Titans at the Eden Gardens Stadium on May 16, Saturday. Powered by Finn Allen’s 93, followed by fifties from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green, the Knight Riders mustered 247/2 in their stipulated 20 overs. Nevertheless, the real question now for the Knight Riders and their fans will be how the three-time champions can manage to qualify for the playoffs.

KKR vs GT, IPL 2026: How can Kolkata Knight Riders qualify for the playoffs?

While the Knight Riders have beaten the Titans, their points tally have still risen to only 11 and the maximum they can reach is 15 points. For that, they must win their next two matches as well that will be against the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals – both at home. However, the three-time champions also need other results to go their way. The Knight Riders must hope neither the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Rajasthan Royals win no more than one of their remaining fixtures. Alongside that, they must also hope for the Punjab Kings and SunRisers Hyderabad to lose their remaining games.

Hence, in that case, the Knight Riders will finish on 15 points and ensure for themselves a Top 4 finish.

KKR vs GT, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans’ Top 3 muster fifties but targets proves to be bridge too far

In what was a steep chase of 248, Saurabh Dubey leaks multiple extras in the very first over as the Titans scored 15 runs to kickstart their innings. During the third over, the momentum shifted slightly towards the Knight Riders when B Sai Sudharsan sustained an elbow injury and had to walk off. Sunil Narine struck in his very first over to send Nishant Sindhu packing for only 1 as the three-time champions plotted their way back into the contest.

The Titans staged a comeback through the 128-run stand between Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler despite the run-rate climbing to the north of 15. Gill’s wicket was 85 was a respite for the Knight Riders as he threatened to take their side home along with Buttler. B Sai Sudharsan returned to bat and struck some lusty blows but the task became far steeper and they lost by 29 runs.

The Titans also missed multiple catches, notably dropping Allen on 33.