The Gujarat Titans' dreams of making the playoffs of the Indian Premier League went down the drain on Monday when their crucial match against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out due to rain, with not a single ball being bowled.
The result ensured that KKR consolidate their position in the top two as they fetched 19 points from 13 matches and made it to Qualifier 1. Gujarat Titans, however, the runners-up last year and champions in 2022, are out of the playoffs reckoning with 11 points from 13 matches.
No toss was possible at the stipulated time of 7 pm as there was continuous lightning, followed by light drizzle that gradually turned into heavy rain over time.
The window for a five-over contest closed at 10:56 PM, but the officials had to call off the match due to persistent heavy rain and a wet outfield. This was the first such instance in this IPL season.
Looking back, KKR opener Phil Salt said the team made sure that they had the right attitude to go all guns blazing for the win, praising Gautam Gambhir's leadership to keep them on the right track.
KKR had already sealed their place in the playoffs with the win over Mumbai Indians in their previous match.
Rajasthan Royals occupy the second spot in the standings with 16 points from 12 games, and defending champions Chennai Super Kings are third with 14 points from 13 matches.
Fourth-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad and fifth-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore have 14 points each from 12 and 13 games, respectively.
At 12 points from as many games, Lucknow Super Giants are in the fray for the playoffs, while the chances for Delhi Capitals have receded, and they are virtually out of the playoffs race with 12 points from 13 matches.
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