In a high-stakes clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada delivered a sensational opening spell to dent Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) early in Match 25. With KKR desperately searching for their first win of the season, Rabada’s precision and pace ensured their struggles continued, removing two key batters inside the powerplay.
The South African speedster struck twice in quick succession, including a peach of a delivery to dismiss the in-form Angkrish Raghuvanshi, leaving KKR reeling at the start of their innings.
Kagiso Rabada gets rid of Angkrish Raghuvanshi with a peach
The breakthrough came on the final ball of the second over, and it was nothing short of a fast-bowling masterclass. Rabada delivered a back-of-a-length ball outside off that shaped away late, tempting Raghuvanshi into a tentative poke. The slight movement was enough to induce an outside edge, and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler made no mistake behind the stumps. The dismissal marked a crucial moment in the game, as Gujarat Titans removed one of KKR’s most promising batters early.
The wicket not only showcased Rabada’s skill but also set the tone for what turned out to be a dominant powerplay spell by the Titans’ bowling unit.
Second blow as Tim Seifert falls cheaply
Rabada wasn’t done yet. Just two overs later, he struck again—this time removing Tim Seifert on the last ball of the fourth over. Bowling a short and wide delivery outside off, Rabada baited Seifert into playing an aggressive cut shot. However, the batter failed to keep it down, slicing it straight towards point. Glenn Phillips, stationed inside the circle, completed a straightforward catch without needing to move.
With that wicket, KKR found themselves three down inside the powerplay, plunging their innings into early trouble. The pressure mounted further as power-hitter Rovman Powell was forced to walk in much earlier than expected.
Here’s the video:
Perfect start for @gujarat_titans 🔥
🎥 Kagiso Rabada roaring with 2️⃣ early wickets ☝️
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/FACeUzse3B#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #GTvKKR pic.twitter.com/Sk4217EZfy
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2026
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KKR’s struggles continue in must-win clash
The match held significant importance for Kolkata Knight Riders, who entered the contest still winless in the tournament. However, Rabada’s fiery spell compounded their woes, exposing vulnerabilities in their top order.
Losing two in-form batters in quick succession disrupted KKR’s momentum and left them with a steep challenge to rebuild their innings. Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, capitalized brilliantly on the early breakthroughs, tightening their grip on the game.
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