Bravo Reflects on KKR's Tough Loss to GT: 'We Fell Short'

Kolkata, April 22 (NationPress) After the Kolkata Knight Riders faced their fifth defeat in IPL 2026, mentor Dwayne Bravo acknowledged that the defending champions did not achieve the start they hoped for in their chase and ultimately faltered at the end, resulting in a 39-run loss to the Gujarat Titans.

In pursuit of a target of 200 runs, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane's half-century proved insufficient as his team came up short in the match.

Addressing the outcome, team mentor Dwayne Bravo remarked, “We did not accumulate enough runs. Credit goes to our bowling unit; they performed exceptionally well, restricting them to under 200 and genuinely providing us a chance at the midpoint. Regrettably, we did not achieve the start we desired during the powerplay and stumbled in the end.”

Discussing the tactical choices that led to the talented young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi batting at number nine, Bravo explained, “We did not initiate the game intending for him to bat at number nine, but given how the game unfolded, that was where he ended up. We are fortunate to have quality left-handers and right-handers in our upper order.

“Thus, we strive to utilize that to our advantage, especially when facing quality spinners. Unfortunately, Angkrish had to keep sliding down the batting order.”

Further emphasizing the young batter’s commendable performances throughout the season, Bravo noted, “He is among the top players in the squad regarding runs scored this season. However, after the powerplay, we anticipated that they (Gujarat Titans) would deploy their left-arm orthodox and leg spinners. Therefore, we always intended to maintain that left-right combination.”

When asked about the form of fellow West Indian Andre Russell being a concern, Bravo supported his former teammate, stating, “Russell is a seasoned and successful player. Every time he walks in to bat, there are only 14-15 deliveries remaining. Hence, the work that lies ahead is challenging. We need to give him an opportunity to finish as he has traditionally done for KKR. We must support our finishers and allow them to conclude matches.”

“The finishers have had considerable success in the past, so it’s crucial to back them. There exists a delicate balance between supporting a player and attempting to formulate the best combination that could provide the team the spark it currently lacks. This is a matter we need to discuss as a group and then look ahead to the next match,” Bravo concluded.

Following the loss, KKR now stands seventh in the table with only three victories in eight games, while GT continues to lead the table after achieving their sixth win in eight matches.