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IPL 2026: KKR make big change; Rahane opts to bat in must-win clash vs Gujarat Titans
TL;DR
Kolkata Knight Riders made a significant change by bringing in Tim Seifert for Finn Allen and elected to bat first against Gujarat Titans in a must-win IPL 2026 match. KKR, having lost their first four games, aims to reset their approach under skipper Ajinkya Rahane.
Key points
- KKR made a bold change by bringing in Tim Seifert.
- The team elected to bat first against Gujarat Titans.
- KKR is winless with four defeats in IPL 2026.
- Ajinkya Rahane aims to reset the team's approach.
Mentioned in this story
Ajinkya RahaneNarendra Modi Stadium
Tim SeifertKolkata Knight RidersGujarat Titans
NEW DELHI: Winless and under mounting pressure, Kolkata Knight Riders made a bold call at the toss, bringing in Tim Seifert for Finn Allen as they elected to bat first against Gujarat Titans in their Indian Premier League match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
With four defeats to start their IPL 2026 campaign, KKR are desperate to turn things around, and skipper Ajinkya Rahane made it clear that the team is looking to reset its approach.
IPL 2026: GT vs KKR Live Score
Seifert comes in as KKR shuffle XI
The biggest talking point ahead of the game was KKRās change at the top, with Seifert replacing Allen in the playing XI. The move signals a shift in strategy as the franchise looks for a spark in their faltering batting unit.
āJust one change. Tim Seifert comes in place of Finn Allen,ā Rahane confirmed at the toss, underlining the importance of fresh energy in a struggling lineup.
KKR have tried multiple combinations in both batting first and chasing scenarios this season, but results have not followed. The inclusion of Seifert is seen as an attempt to stabilise the top order while adding experience and composure.
āPlay fearless cricketā: Rahaneās message
Rahane explained the decision to bat first, emphasising freedom and intent as the core philosophy.
āWe just want our batters to play freely, with freedom. The kind of tournament weāve had so far, weāve tried everything. I thought giving that freedom to the batters and then defending the total would be a good approach,ā he said.
He also stressed the importance of mindset over data. āSometimes you donāt have to depend too much on stats. Itās about what you feel as a team. We just want to turn it around.ā
Backing his players despite the poor run, Rahane added, āItās about staying confident, backing each other in tough times. We have good characters. T20 is about momentum ā winning small moments. Today, we just want to play fearless cricket.ā
GT stick to winning formula
Q&A
Why did KKR bring in Tim Seifert for the match against Gujarat Titans?
KKR brought in Tim Seifert for Finn Allen to shake up their struggling lineup after losing their first four matches in IPL 2026.
What is KKR's current standing in IPL 2026 before the match against Gujarat Titans?
Before the match, KKR was winless with four consecutive defeats in IPL 2026, putting them under significant pressure.
What strategy did KKR's captain Ajinkya Rahane mention for the match against Gujarat Titans?
Ajinkya Rahane indicated that KKR is looking to reset their approach in the must-win clash against Gujarat Titans.
