IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders’ strongest predicted XI against Gujarat Titans

The three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders will aim to come back to winning ways as they take on 2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans in the match 60 of the IPL 2026 at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on May 16. 

After a horrific start to their season, the Ajinkya Rahane-led side have recovered well, winning four of their last five matches. After losing a closely fought contest against their arch-rivals RCB, they will be looking to come back to winning ways.

GT, on the other hand, are one of the most in-form teams in IPL 2026 currently. They are on a five-match winning streak, and would want to book their place in the playoffs with a win here at Kolkata.

Here is Kolkata Knight Riders’ strongest predicted XI vs Gujarat Titans:

Top-order: Ajinkya Rahane (C), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi

The KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane will continue to open the innings along with Finn Allen. The Kiwi batter is known for his power-hitting ability, and is one of KKR’s biggest strengths with the bat in the powerplay overs. He can take away the game with his breathtaking powerhitting.

Rahane, on the other hand, is struggling for form, and would want to score a few valuable runs at the top. Angkrish Raghuvanshi finally found his lost touch against RCB, scoring brilliant 71 runs. 

Middle-order: Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, Anukul Roy

Cameron Green will headline KKR middle-order with his presence. The Aussie all-rounder, after a sloppy start to the season, is slowly gaining confidence with both and ball. Rinku Singh is coming off after playing a handy cameo against RCB in KKR’s last game. The left-hander is their designated finisher.

Manish Pandey is yet to get a chance with the bat, but can add stability in the middle-overs. Anukul Roy has impressed with his economical spin bowling this season, while also contributing with the bat.

Bowlers: Vaibhav Arora, Saurabh Dubey, Kartik Tyagi, Umran Malik, Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine has been terrific for KKR, picking up 11 wickets with an economy rate of 6.64. Kartik Tyagi has emerged as their main wicket taker so far, picking up 16 wickets, and bowling some important overs. Saurabh Dubey had a good debut against RCB, and will continue to play. Umran Malik will make his KKR debut in all likelihood.

KKR’s predicted playing XI for match 60, IPL 2026

Ajinkya Rahane (C), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Saurabh Dubey, Kartik Tyagi, Umran Malik

Impact Player: Rovman Powell/Matheesha Pathirana