IPL 2026 Match 25 Preview: The Narendra Modi Stadium hosts a high-stakes encounter as the Gujarat Titans (GT) aim to break into the top four against a desperate Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While GT is riding on home momentum, KKR is looking for their first win of the season after five consecutive defeats.
Match Details: IPL 2026 Match 25
- Fixture: Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders
- Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Live Streaming: JioCinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The Ahmedabad “Batting Paradise”
The surface in Ahmedabad has traditionally favored batters, but the dry heat of mid-April means the pitch might offer more assistance to spinners in the second half.
- Average 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026): 198
- The Toss Factor: Unlike Wankhede, the dew factor is moderate here. The team winning the toss might prefer to bat first, set a 200+ total, and let Rashid Khan dominate.
Team News & Tactical Updates
Gujarat Titans (GT): The Home Advantage
Shubman Gill is in sublime form at home. The Titans are likely to retain the same XI that beat SRH.
- Key Stat: Prasidh Krishna is currently tied for the Purple Cap (10 wickets) and has found his rhythm with the new ball.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): The Last Stand
KKR is in crisis. Reports suggest they will hand a debut to Tim Seifert to solve their opening woes.
- Key Stat: Sunil Narine has been KKR’s most economical bowler but has lacked wicket-taking support from the other end.
GT vs KKR Probable Playing XIs
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| Shubman Gill (c) | Tim Seifert |
| Wriddhiman Saha (wk) | Phil Salt (wk) |
| Sai Sudharsan | Shreyas Iyer (c) |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Rinku Singh |
| David Miller | Andre Russell |
| Rahul Tewatia | Venkatesh Iyer |
| Rashid Khan | Sunil Narine |
| Prasidh Krishna | Mitchell Starc |
| Mohit Sharma | Varun Chakaravarthy |
| Spencer Johnson | Harshit Rana |
Top Fantasy Picks: GT vs KKR Dream11 Prediction
Captaincy Choice: Shubman Gill (GT)
The “Prince of Ahmedabad” averages 55.4 at this venue. On a flat deck against a struggling KKR attack, he is the safest captaincy pick.
Vice-Captain Choice: Rashid Khan (GT)
Rashid thrives under the Ahmedabad lights. His record against KKR’s middle order is exceptional, making him a high-floor VC option.
Crick Insider’s Preferred Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Phil Salt
- Batters: Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer
- All-rounders: Andre Russell, Rashid Khan (VC), Azmatullah Omarzai
- Bowlers: Prasidh Krishna, Mitchell Starc, Mohit Sharma
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
GT has a clear psychological edge and home-ground familiarity. KKR’s bowling has been leaked at an economy of 11.2 in the death overs this season, which David Miller and Tewatia will look to exploit.
Crick Insider Win Probability:
- GT: 59%
- KKR: 41%
Projected Score: GT 205+ | KKR 185+
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