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Kolkata Knight Riders' fast bowler Kartik Tyagi revealed the team's plans ahead of their critical IPL 2026 clash against Gujarat Titans to be played at Eden Gardens.

KKR are mathematically in contention for a playoff spot and will need a win against the Gujarat Titans desperately. The three-time champions have been inconsistent this season and are currently at the eighth spot in the table with 9 points in 11 matches.

Before the match, Tyagi revealed how the powerplay has been a problematic situation for KKR throughout IPL 2026. However, the young Indian fast bowler emphasized how their primary focus is to take early wickets.

Tyagi said:

"The powerplay has been a bit challenging for us this year, but we're always looking to take wickets early so that it becomes easier for the spinners coming in to bowl in the middle overs. Sending Shubman and Sai Sudarshan back to the pavilion in the power play will be a huge advantage for us."

The fast bowler also spoke about how he bowls in T20 cricket and also explained how he conditions his bowling based on the match situation.

He said:

"I practised a lot at home, and after getting selected for KKR, I started preparing for the conditions I'd have to bowl in. Before every match, we assess the pitch and the conditions and adapt our bowling choices accordingly. If a pitch allows it, I look to bowl a lot of slower deliveries as well."

Tyagi further emphasized that he plans his 4 overs thoroughly.

He added:

"I plan for the 24 deliveries I'm going to bowl based on all the information gathered during our preparation. I bowl fast naturally; I don't put a lot of thought behind it."

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Kolkata Knight Riders has been an inconsistent campaign this season and post 11 matches they have 4 wins, 6 losses and 1 match tied and they stand at the fifth place of the points table with a Net Run Rate of -0.198

Despite the inconsistent campaign, KKR still stands a chance to make it to the playoffs should the results swing in their favor with the remaining matches and selection decisions

Tyagi was also asked about team combinations and selection criteria as he spoke on the Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana, Tyagi replied with:

"He's an exceptional bowler, and I don't need to say anything further about how he bowls. It's all about finding the right combinations according to the wicket we'll be bowling on, and those decisions are taken by the management."

The Knights will now look for their bowlers to provide early breakthroughs against the Gujarat Titans in what would turn out to be a make-or-break clash for them