Gujarat Titans knocked out of playoff race as rain plays spoilsport, KKR book Qualifier spot

Ground staff take shelter under umbrellas at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (Getty Images)
Ground staff take shelter under umbrellas at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (Getty Images)

Highlights:

Gujarat Titans have been eliminated from the playoff race.

Kolkata Knight Riders are the first time to qualify for Qualifier in the IPL 2024.

The 63rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, was called off due to rain. Shubman Gill-led GT in their last home match of the season shared a point with KKR and got knocked out of the playoff race. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer’s KKR became the first team to qualify for the Qualifier with 19 points. 
 

Even a five overs per side game was not possible as the outfield was wet after rain stopped. The toss could not take place either. This is the first game to get called off without a ball being bowled in the ongoing IPL season. There were no changes in the points table. KKR are at the top with nine wins from 13 games and 19 points. GT remained at the eighth spot with five wins and 11 points from 13 games. 

This is the first time GT have failed to qualify for the playoff. In the first season, they won the title under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. In the previous season, Pandya led GT to the final where they lost to MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on the reserve day. 

 

After the game was called off, Gill and all GT players took a lap of the ground thanked the crowd for staying till the game was called off. GT became the third team after five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) to get eliminated from playoff race. GT will play their last game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 16.

 

On the other hand, KKR have a long break ahead of them. They will play their last league game of the season against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 19 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Then they will play the Qualifier 1 at Narendra Modi Stadium on May 21.

 

ALSO READ: 'God of Chennai....temples would be built': Former cricketer hails MS Dhoni after CSK' victory lap in Chepauk
 

Head-to-head

The two teams have gone up against each other four times so far. GT have registered two wins whereas KKR have emerged victorious once. The latest addition is a no result. 
 

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