IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans’ strongest predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

The Gujarat Titans return home after two games on the road as they host the Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 25 of the 2026 Indian Premier League.

The Titans got their campaign off the mark with two wins away from home. A nervy one-run win, which they pulled out of the jaws of defeat against the Delhi Capitals, was followed by a dominant seven-wicket victory against the Titans.

Their big names, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, found themselves in the runs in both games, while Rashid Khan and Prasidh Krishna dominated with the ball.

They take on the struggling Knight Riders with hopes of extending their winning streak when they return to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They were beaten by the Rajasthan Royals in the only game that they played there, but they will be hoping to set that record straight as well.

Here is the Gujarat Titans' strongest possible XI for Match 25 vs KKR: Top-order: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK) Jos-Buttler-and-Shubman-Gill. (Photo source: IPL)

Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill were one of the most prolific opening pairs in 2025. While the Tamil Nadu man is yet to get going, GT skipper Gill has slowly found form, with two consecutive half-centuries in the previous two games. He missed the game against the Royals through injury but managed to score 39 in the game prior against the Punjab Kings. After the T20 World Cup snub earlier in the year, Gill will be determined to erase all doubts with a stellar season in the IPL.

One of the most promising developments for the Titans has been the form of Jos Buttler. The England wicketkeeper has been one of the IPL’s most prolific overseas batters and, after a dismal T20 World Cup, is back at his belligerent best, with two 50-plus scores in the last two games as he displayed his full array of destructive and innovative strokeplay.

Middle order: Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan (Impact Player) Washinton Sundar (Source : gujarat_titans/X)

Washington Sundar has found a place for himself at number 4, scoring a brilliant half-century against the Delhi Capitals.

He has reliably deputised after the fall of wickets in the top order, stabilising the innings while also being able to score quickly. Glenn Phillips has yet to contribute significantly, but his potent run-scoring and six-hitting make him a reliable option in the middle order.

Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan also have not yet been given a platform to prove their mettle, but they are reliable domestic options.

Tewatia has shown his abilities as a finisher for years in the IPL, and Shahrukh is one of the most feared batters in the domestic game, being able to score runs at a quick rate and hit a long ball.

Lower order/bowlers: Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma, Prasidh Krishna

The Titans possess one of the more balanced attacks in the league, and it has been showing in their last few games. The most important factor for them is the resurgence of Rashid Khan. The Afghanistan leg-spinner has been at his economic best against the Capitals and the Super Giants, picking up five wickets at an economy of 6.87 in the season. Prasidh Krishna once more finds himself at the top of the leaderboard with 10 wickets, following up brilliantly on a purple-cap winning season in 2025.

Young rookie quick Ashok Sharma has been a revelation for the Titans. Being able to bowl at over 150 kmph and with a plethora of variations at his disposal, he is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2026 season. Kagiso Rabada is yet to hit the ground running, going for runs despite picking up five wickets. Mohammed Siraj has bowled with control in the powerplay but is yet to make a significant mark with just three wickets in four games. 

Gujarat Titans Predicted XI vs KKR:

Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma, Prasidh Krishna
 
Impact Player: Shahrukh Khan