In reply, Kolkata Knight Riders struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Veteran Ajinkya Rahane stood tall with a fighting half-century, scoring 50, but lacked support from the other end.<\/p>\n
As the Indian Premier League heads into its critical phase, Gujarat Titans\u2019 R Sai Kishore has stepped up in support of teammate Rashid Khan, who has been under fire for a subdued performance this season.<\/p>\n
Despite having only six wickets from eight games \u2014 his lowest tally at this stage of any IPL season \u2014 Rashid reminded fans of his quality with a strong outing against Kolkata Knight Riders. His spell of 2\/25 helped GT seal a convincing 39-run win at Eden Gardens.<\/p>\n
\u2018We Don\u2019t Doubt His Abilities\u2019: Sai Kishore Defends Rashid<\/p>\n
During the post-match presentation, former England batter and commentator Nick Knight asked Kishore about Rashid\u2019s inconsistent season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about Rashid Khan? Your spin twin. It hasn\u2019t been the ideal tournament for him. But a couple of wickets (today) in crucial time, how\u2019s it going for him?\u201d Knight questioned.<\/p>\n
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Kishore had no hesitation in standing by his teammate, calling Rashid the finest in the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. He\u2019s getting his wicket-taking knack back. As a team, we don\u2019t doubt his abilities, I don\u2019t know what it\u2019s like in the commentary box. We all believe in him and I still believe he\u2019s the best T20 bowler in the world,\u201d Kishore responded.<\/p>\n
Knight quickly clarified that his intent was not to criticize, saying, \u201cWe never doubt him. That\u2019s why we want him to do well.\u201d<\/p>\n
GT Batting Shines, Bowlers Seal the Deal<\/p>\n
While Rashid\u2019s return to form was a highlight, it was Gujarat\u2019s batting that laid the foundation for victory.<\/p>\n
Skipper Shubman Gill led from the front, smashing 90 runs off 55 balls. His partnership with Sai Sudharsan, who made 52, added 114 runs for the opening wicket and powered GT to a commanding total of 198\/3.<\/p>\n
England\u2019s Jos Buttler chipped in with a quickfire 41* from 23 deliveries, adding the finishing touches to a solid innings.<\/p>\n
KKR Falter Despite Rahane\u2019s Fifty<\/p>\n
In reply, Kolkata Knight Riders struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Veteran Ajinkya Rahane stood tall with a fighting half-century, scoring 50, but lacked support from the other end.<\/p>\n
GT\u2019s bowlers tightened the screws effectively, limiting KKR to 159\/8. With this win, Gujarat registered their sixth victory in eight matches, while defending champions KKR slipped to their fifth loss of the season.<\/p>\n