Green shines but KKR still lose as Titans edge thriller in Ahmedabad 2026

KKR’s Cameron Green scored 79 but his team still lost to GT, leaving them winless after six games in IPL 2026.

KKR captain defends star all-rounder Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane refused to criticize Cameron Green despite another IPL 2026 defeat, this time to Gujarat Titans. The Australian all-rounder had faced intense scrutiny over his hefty price tag and lack of impact, but Rahane insisted the team should acknowledge Green’s performance. On Friday in Ahmedabad, Green delivered a fighting innings of 79 runs from 55 deliveries, though his side still fell short. The effort, which included just four runs in 11 balls at the death, did not secure victory but hinted at a possible resurgence for both player and franchise. ## Green’s effort masks team struggles Green’s knock came after modest returns of 56 runs across his previous five innings, arriving with a reported INR 25.20 crore contract—though league rules capped his actual earnings at INR 18 crore. His arrival in the XI followed two consecutive losses for KKR, amplifying the pressure on his shoulders. Green’s slow start saw him manage just eight runs from 14 deliveries by the eighth over, with the score languishing at 59 for three wickets. His acceleration began only after he targeted Rashid Khan for a six and a four in the 12th over, briefly lifting the run rate. Despite a flurry of scoring, the innings tapered off as KKR finished with a below-par total, largely due to Green’s reduced impact in the final stages. ## Rayudu points to missed opportunities Ambati Rayudu, KKR’s senior batter, questioned both Green’s shot selection and the lack of collaboration between him and his partners. Speaking on a post-match show, Rayudu suggested Green could have adapted better to the conditions, noting the ball’s movement favored back-foot strokes through point or cover. He also highlighted a breakdown in communication during the chase, with no one at the non-striker’s end prompting adjustments or targeting specific bowlers. Rayudu emphasized that clearer dialogue might have made Green’s finish far more effective, particularly in the last four overs. ## Tail-end collapse seals GT’s win In the slog overs, Green’s involvement waned dramatically. He did not face a single ball in the 16th and 17th overs and managed only a solitary run off the first delivery of both the 18th and 19th. After Kartik Tyagi was run out, Green took one run from the next four balls, ceding strike repeatedly. Though he absorbed most of Rashid Khan’s final over, he managed just one run from the first three deliveries before being dismissed on the last ball of a six-run over. KKR’s last four overs yielded 23 runs, a total far below what Green’s effort deserved. ## Template for improvement suggested Rayudu pointed to Mukul Chaudhary’s approach as a model for tail-end batting, advocating a disciplined strategy of taking a single of the fourth ball to retain strike. He acknowledged the difficulty of executing such a plan but stressed it was a viable route to maximize scoring. The lack of such communication in Green’s innings became evident as he failed to hold strike when it mattered most. Rayudu’s critique underlined the need for better coordination to translate individual brilliance into team success. ## GT’s anomaly status in modern T20 Gujarat Titans continued to defy trends in a rapidly evolving T20 landscape, securing another close victory in Ahmedabad. Their ability to grind out tight finishes stood in contrast to the more explosive approaches adopted by rival franchises. The win reinforced their reputation as a side that thrives under pressure, even as other teams adapt to the demands of the shortest format. Meanwhile, KKR’s string of losses highlighted persistent issues beyond individual performances.