KKR vs GT IPL 2026: Head-To-Head Stats, Pitch Report, Playing XI

The 60th match of IPL 2026 will feature a high-stakes clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans at the iconic Eden Gardens on Friday evening. The match is extremely important for Kolkata, as their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR have managed only four wins in 11 matches this season and currently sit eighth on the IPL points table with nine points. To remain in contention for a top-four finish, Kolkata must win all their remaining matches and also rely on favorable results from other teams. On the other hand, Gujarat Titans are enjoying a dominant season under captain Shubman Gill. GT have won eight of their 12 matches and are placed second on the table with 16 points. A victory against KKR would officially secure Gujarat’s place in the IPL 2026 playoffs and could even push them to the top spot in the standings. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST, while the toss is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Kolkata will return to their home ground after nearly a month, hoping the familiar conditions at Eden Gardens can help them revive their campaign. The Eden Gardens pitch has provided a balanced contest this season. Spinners have enjoyed assistance during the middle overs, while batters have also found plenty of scoring opportunities due to the good bounce and quick outfield. Fast bowlers are expected to get some movement early in the innings, but dew later in the game could make bowling difficult. Historically, teams chasing have performed better at the venue, winning 59 out of 104 IPL matches played here. Rain could also play a role in the contest, as Kolkata witnessed heavy showers a day before the game. However, teams winning the toss generally prefer to bowl first because of the dew factor. Looking at the head-to-head record, Gujarat Titans clearly hold the advantage. The two teams have faced each other five times, with GT winning four matches and KKR managing only one victory. Interestingly, Kolkata’s only win against Gujarat came back in April 2023. Since then, Gujarat have dominated every meeting, including their earlier clash this season in Ahmedabad. KKR are expected to field players like Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, and Cameron Green, while Gujarat Titans will rely on stars such as Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, and Mohammed Siraj. With KKR fighting for survival and GT aiming for playoff qualification, fans can expect an intense and exciting IPL showdown at Eden Gardens.