IPL 2026: KKR vs GT Match 60 – Who will be Impact Players for today’s match?

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) return to the Eden Gardens after almost a month, when they take on an in-form Gujarat Titans (GT) side in Match 60 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday, May 16. 

KKR need a miracle to qualify for the playoffs after their four-match winning run was ended by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their previous game. Ajinkya Rahane’s side are eighth in the standings with nine points from 11 matches. 

GT, on the other hand, already have one foot in the playoffs following a run of five consecutive wins. The 2022 champions’ last victory in the tournament came against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, when they bundled the opposition out for just 86 in the second innings. 

With both sides defending a total in their previous game, they decided to bring in a bowler as their Impact Sub. KKR went ahead and gave an IPL debut to Saurabh Dubey when he came off the bench in the second innings, while GT called their designated Impact Player, Prasidh Krishna, who took two wickets. 

Predicted Impact Players for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):

Rovman Powell: The West Indies international could come in as a batting option off the bench should KKR decide to play three overseas players in their playing XI against GT.

Matheesha Pathirana: An INR 18 crore buy in the mini auction, Matheesha Pathirana is yet to make his KKR debut, but remains a useful bowling option to call upon whilst defending a total.

Ramandeep Singh: A former regular who only recently lost his place in the XI, Ramandeep Singh is an ideal option to come in towards the lower end of the innings to provide quick-fire runs.

Navdeep Saini: Going wicketless this season, Navdeep Saini does have IPL experience behind him with 23 wickets in his career. 

Daksh Kamra: Yet to play a professional game in this career, Daksh Kamra is a 23-year-old legbreak bowler.

Predicted Impact Players for Gujarat Titans (GT):

Prasidh Krishna: GT’s designated Impact Subs option whilst defending a total, Prasidh Krishna has taken 14 wickets from eight matches this season. 

Glenn Phillips: Glenn Phillips lost his place to Jason Holder in the playing XI, but remains an important player on the bench if required to come in and field.

Kumar Kushagra: The 21-year-old was an important part of Jharkhand’s SMAT-winning side, but has played just one game all season long. 

Sai Kishore: Sai Kishore was an important player for GT last season, but has played just once this season, where he went wicketless. 

Ishant Sharma: An IPL great, Ishant Sharma is yet to play a game for GT this season, but remains a good option to come and bowl if required. 

Expert Opinion and Final Prediction

• Home Advantage: KKR won their last home match against the Rajasthan Royals, their only win at the Eden Gardens this season. 
• Recent Form: GT are not only in outstanding form this season, but also have a 3-1 record against KKR in their last five encounters. 
• Balanced Side: Both sides have equally balanced sides heading into the game on Saturday, with GT holding a slight advantage. 
• Prediction: With these factors in their favour, it is hard to look beyond the Gujarat Titans against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 60.