Introduction
The Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline are two prominent teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While Gujarat Titans, a new franchise introduced in 2022, made an impressive debut by winning the title in their first season, Kolkata Knight Riders have been a consistent force in IPL history, clinching the championship twice.
This blog provides a detailed timeline of their head-to-head matches, analyzing strategies, player contributions, and standout performances. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious cricket enthusiast, this guide has everything you need to know about the rivalry between GT and KKR.
Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Team Overview
Gujarat Titans
- Founded: 2022
- Home Ground: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Captain: Hardik Pandya
- Key Players: Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Shami, David Miller
- Strengths: Versatile bowling attack, aggressive top order
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Founded: 2008
- Home Ground: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Captain: Nitish Rana (interim; Shreyas Iyer injured)
- Key Players: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Venkatesh Iyer
- Strengths: Depth in all-rounders, spinners dominating the middle overs
Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Head-to-Head Summary
| Metric | Gujarat Titans (GT) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 3 | 3 |
| Matches Won | 1 | 2 |
| Highest Team Score | 204 | 207 |
| Lowest Team Score | 125 | 128 |
| Closest Margin of Victory | 7 Runs | 3 Wickets |
Stats updated as of IPL 2023.
Timeline of Matches
1. Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2022
- Date: April 23, 2022
- Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Result: Gujarat Titans won by 8 runs
Match Summary:
This encounter marked the first-ever clash between the two teams. GT batted first, scoring 156/9, with Hardik Pandya top-scoring with 67 off 49 balls. KKR, despite Andre Russell’s quickfire 48, fell short at 148/8. Rashid Khan’s disciplined bowling was instrumental in GT’s victory.
Key Stats:
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer (GT) | Hardik Pandya | 67 (49 balls) |
| Top Scorer (KKR) | Andre Russell | 48 (25 balls) |
| Best Bowler (GT) | Rashid Khan | 2/22 |
| Best Bowler (KKR) | Tim Southee | 3/24 |
2. Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2023 (First Match)
- Date: April 9, 2023
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by 3 wickets
Match Summary:
GT posted a mammoth 204/4, led by Vijay Shankar’s blistering 63 off 24 balls. However, KKR pulled off one of the greatest IPL chases, thanks to Rinku Singh’s unbelievable five consecutive sixes in the final over, stealing the game in the most dramatic fashion.
Key Stats:
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer (GT) | Vijay Shankar | 63 (24 balls) |
| Top Scorer (KKR) | Rinku Singh | 48 (21 balls) |
| Best Bowler (GT) | Rashid Khan | 3/37 (including hat-trick) |
| Best Bowler (KKR) | Sunil Narine | 2/27 |
3. Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2023 (Second Match)
- Date: April 29, 2023
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Result: Gujarat Titans won by 7 wickets
Match Summary:
In the reverse fixture, GT dominated with both bat and ball. Chasing 180, Shubman Gill led the charge with a classy 80 off 52 balls, supported by David Miller’s unbeaten 31. Mohammed Shami’s fiery opening spell restricted KKR to a below-par score despite Nitish Rana’s half-century.
Key Stats:
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer (GT) | Shubman Gill | 80 (52 balls) |
| Top Scorer (KKR) | Nitish Rana | 57 (39 balls) |
| Best Bowler (GT) | Mohammed Shami | 3/29 |
| Best Bowler (KKR) | Varun Chakravarthy | 2/25 |
Tactical Analysis
Gujarat Titans’ Strengths
- Bowling Depth: The combination of Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami ensures GT can control both powerplays and death overs.
- Flexible Batting Lineup: Players like Hardik Pandya and David Miller adapt to situations effectively.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Strategy
- All-Rounders’ Impact: KKR relies heavily on Andre Russell and Sunil Narine to contribute in both batting and bowling.
- Aggressive Chases: With players like Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer, KKR has built a reputation for finishing games in style.
Key Player Contributions
| Player | Matches Played | Total Runs | Total Wickets | Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (GT) | 3 | 150 | – | 80 (52 balls) |
| Rashid Khan (GT) | 3 | – | 7 | 3/37 (including hat-trick) |
| Andre Russell (KKR) | 3 | 110 | 3 | 48 (25 balls) |
| Rinku Singh (KKR) | 3 | 125 | – | 48 (21 balls, 5 sixes) |
Memorable Moments
1. Rinku Singh’s Five Sixes (2023)
Perhaps the most iconic moment in this rivalry was Rinku Singh’s heroic display in 2023, hitting five sixes in the final over to win the game for KKR.
2. Rashid Khan’s Hat-Trick (2023)
Despite GT’s loss in the same game, Rashid Khan’s hat-trick underlined his match-winning capabilities.
3. Gill’s Match-Winning Knock (2023)
Shubman Gill’s 80 at Eden Gardens showcased his temperament and technique under pressure.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline rivalry, though young, has already delivered unforgettable matches filled with drama, skill, and thrilling finishes. Both teams bring unique strengths to the table, ensuring every contest is a must-watch.
