Lightning and rain combined to force the first IPL 2024 game to be abandoned in Ahmedabad on Monday, confirming two outcomes: the top-two league finish of the Kolkata Knight Riders and the elimination of the Gujarat Titans from post-season play.
Rain prevented even a throw for eighth-place GT, and only a win would have kept them in the chase. Because of how strong the storm was, some floodlights were also impacted; earlier ripped banners throughout the stadium ended up wrapped around the floodlights in a way that required manual removal.
Regardless, GT had an uphill task. They were only mathematically alive because they had the lowest net run-rate of the season (-1.063), meaning that even two strong wins in their last two games may have left them short. After 12 games, KKR’s dominant net run-rate of 1.428 virtually guaranteed a top-two finish; nevertheless, a 19th point in their total sealed the deal.
Since GT entered the competition prior to the 2022 season, this is the first time they have not advanced to the IPL playoffs. On May 16, they play a consolation match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
With Monday’s match, KKR might have been able to gradually introduce wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz into the starting lineup. Gurbaz is expected to take Phil Salt’s place in their starting lineup when he departs to join his national team training.
The next goal for KKR is to end the league stage as the top team, something they have never done before. They would receive that if they defeat the Rajasthan Royals in their last league encounter on Sunday. In addition, they would guarantee No. 1 should RR lose their next two games, including the match against KKR.
They wouldn’t be too upset if KKR didn’t finish first. They were the IPL champions the only two occasions they finished second in the points standings (2012) and 2014.