Sudharsan sidelined as KKR post season-high 247 against Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans suffered a significant disruption to their batting lineup during the Indian Premier League match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata on Saturday. Opener Sai Sudharsan retired hurt after being struck on the left elbow, a blow that occurred on the final ball of the third over.

Sudharsan was attempting a pull shot to a short-of-length delivery from Kartik Tyagi when he was beaten for timing. The ball struck his elbow, causing him to fall to the ground in pain after completing a single through backward square leg. Physiotherapy staff applied an ice pack to the injury before Sudharsan walked off the field.

Nishant Sindhu replaced Sudharsan at the crease. Although Jos Buttler was seen waiting near the boundary rope, he did not enter the match. The injury occurred as Gujarat Titans attempted to chase a formidable total posted by the home side.

Kolkata Knight Riders had previously posted 247 for two, their highest total of the IPL 2026 season. The innings was anchored by Finn Allen, who scored an unbeaten 93 off 35 balls. Allen’s contribution included 10 sixes and four boundaries, with 86 of his runs coming from the boundary rope.

Allen survived two dropped catches during his innings, on 14 and 33, before dismantling the Gujarat bowling attack. After Allen’s dismissal, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green added an unbeaten 108-run partnership for the third wicket. Raghuvanshi finished on 82, while Green remained not out on 52.

Gujarat Titans’ fielding was a concern, as they dropped four catches during the Kolkata innings. Washington Sundar dropped Raghuvanshi on 52, and Arshad Khan put down a catch off Rashid Khan when Green was on 23.

The match follows a previous victory for Gujarat Titans against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, where they chased down 163 for nine despite an early dismissal of captain Shubman Gill.