Even if they win their final game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans will only end on 13 points which will be not enough to secure them a place in the top four.
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE contesting teams had completely contradictory outcomes waiting for them after their game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat was washed away without a ball being bowled on Monday (13). It was this season’s first washout and both teams got a point each.
While the visiting team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), ensured that they would complete the league stage as one of the top two teams after one point went to their kitty in the abandoned encounter, the home side, Gujarat Titans (GT), were more disappointed as the no-play knocked them out of the tournament. GT now have 11 points from 13 matches and even a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final match on Thursday (16) would take them to 13 points which is still a point less than that the fourth side — which is Hyderabad — at the moment.
They had revived their hopes in their last game when they avenged the defeat of the 2023 final against Chennai Super Kings with a 35-run win but Monday’s washout ended all their hopes.
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For the GT, it would be the worst result in an IPL after their debut in 2022 when they won the trophy. Last year, they lost to Chennai in a closely fought final.
KKR now have 19 points from 13 games and even a loss against Rajasthan Royals in their final game on May 19 would not hurt their position.
Read: Kolkata beat Mumbai, qualify for IPL 2024 playoffs as first team
No toss could take place for Monday’s game due to the weather. The match was being delayed for hours with hopes that the skies would clear but despite the best of efforts by the ground staff, the ground could not be made ready as drizzling continued.
Gujarat were set to play the game in their lavender jersey to raise awareness about cancer. This was also their final outing at home in Ahmedabad.
The team, however, did a lap of honour in front of the crowd as Shubman Gill, who took over as the captain of the side this year, led his boys to thank the fans for their support throughout the season.