The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Gujarat Titans (GT) match had to be called off, without a ball being bowled because of persistent rain at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday. The result confirmed KKR’s status as one of the top 2 teams in the league stage of the campaign, while GT’s hopes of reaching the playoffs were all over, even from a mathematical standpoint. Even the previous match that KKR featured in, against Mumbai Indian, witnessed rain. Though a reduced contest was possible that day. From the match against Mumbai, an intriguing video has surfaced from the Eden Gardens stadium where a fan could be seen trying to steal a match ball.
The young fan, wearing the KKR shirt, tried to leave the stadium with the match-ball in his pocket. But, he was caught by the police. Here’s the video:
As for the match between GT and KKR, the toss didn’t happen at the scheduled time of 7 pm due to incessant lightning, which was followed by slight drizzle that became heavier as time passed by.
The cut-off time was 10:56 PM for a five-over contest but the official decided to abandon the match, a first in this IPL, because of the consistently intensifying rain and wet outfield.
“It is a big achievement for us. The chat before the game (vs GT) was about not letting up, turning up with the right attitude.
“GG (Gautam Gambhir) has been pretty solid with how he wants us to play as a team. He stressed on us to come here and still look for two points,” said Kolkata’s opener Phil Salt as the teams waited for the rain to subside.
KKR has already secured their place in the play-offs after they defeated Mumbai Indians in their previous fixture.
Rajasthan Royals are second in the standings with 16 points from 12 games, while defending champions Chennai Super Kings are placed third with 14 points from 13 matches.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are placed fourth with 14 points from 12 matches, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru are on fifth with 12 points from 13 games.
With 12 points from as many games, Lucknow Super Giants are still in the play-off race, while Delhi Capitals are virtually out of the reckoning with 12 points from 13 matches.
