KKR kept their slim playoff hopes alive after posting a massive 247/2 and defending it successfully, thanks to explosive knocks from Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green.
Allen, in particular, made Gujarat pay heavily after being dropped twice during his stunning 93-run innings. The New Zealand batter was given lifelines by Mohammed Siraj and Jason Holder before launching a brutal assault that laid the foundation for KKR’s huge total.
Speaking after the match, Parthiv stressed how crucial fielding becomes in matches dominated by batting.
“I think catching is something which obviously made a huge difference. So when you are playing high-scoring games, when you are playing against quality batters, you don’t get many opportunities. As soon as you get that opportunity, you have to make sure you have to catch the ball. And I thought that was the difference.”
Despite the defeat, GT remained in the contest for large periods thanks to a strong partnership between Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler during the chase. However, Gujarat’s momentum suffered when opener Sai Sudharsan had to retire hurt after getting off to a promising start.
Gill and Buttler stitched together a 128-run stand, but the required run rate eventually climbed too high after a brief slowdown in the middle overs. Sudharsan later returned to the crease and scored a fighting half-century, though it ultimately was not enough to take GT over the line.
Parthiv defended Sudharsan’s batting role and dismissed concerns surrounding his strike rate.
“Sai Sudharsan can play. He may not look flashy, but he hits the ball really well,” he explained.
KKR’s innings was powered by Allen’s explosive 93 off just 35 balls, while Raghuvanshi remained unbeaten on 82 from 44 deliveries. Green also provided a strong finish with an unbeaten 52 off 28 balls as KKR piled up one of the highest totals of the season. For Gujarat, Mohammed Siraj and Sai Kishore picked up a wicket each, but their bowlers struggled to contain the relentless KKR batting attack.
Despite the loss, Parthiv insisted GT are not overly concerned about other playoff scenarios and remain focused on controlling their own fate heading into the final league game against Chennai Super Kings on May 21.
“We don’t have to worry about other results. It is in our hands. If we win the game, we qualify. It is as simple as that,” Parthiv concluded.