Ajinkya Rahane’s decision at the toss reflected a mix of instinct and numbers. Ahmedabad has generally favoured teams batting first, but history at this venue also shows that anything below 190 is often vulnerable, while truly competitive scores tend to exceed 210.

The matchup appeared to support that approach. Gujarat Titans had struggled with the new ball, picking up very few early wickets in recent matches. Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, despite their experience, hadn’t delivered strong Powerplay returns leading into this game.

However, the surface told a different story. Pitch number six, a combination of red and black soil, provided enough seam movement to reward disciplined bowling. Siraj used fuller lengths to generate swing, leading to an early breakthrough as Rahane miscued an aggressive shot.

Rabada followed with a similar method. Consistent lengths outside off stump created pressure and produced edges. Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Tim Seifert both fell to deliveries that relied more on precision than pace.

For the first time this season, Gujarat’s pace attack bowled unchanged through the Powerplay, maintaining control and forcing a high number of false shots. Their approach mirrored red-ball discipline, focusing on line and length rather than variation.

At 37 for 3, the advantage of batting first had already diminished significantly.

Cameron Green then played a stabilising innings to push Kolkata Knight Riders to 180. While competitive, it fell short of what was likely required on this surface.

KKR needed early wickets while defending, particularly against Gujarat’s middle order. Instead, their strategy faltered. Early spin overs in the Powerplay proved expensive, and the seamers struggled with consistency, offering too many scoring opportunities.

By the time Gujarat reached 71 for 1, the match had largely slipped out of KKR’s control.

Despite the result, Gujarat Titans can take positives. Prasidh Krishna has continued his strong form, and Rashid Khan’s return to rhythm adds balance to the bowling attack. If Siraj and Rabada can maintain this level with the new ball, Gujarat looks increasingly like a well-rounded and dangerous side.