Catching the difference in Eden loss: Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel, the Gujarat Titans assistant coach, said catching was the "difference" between the sides in a high-scoring encounter at the Eden Gardens, which saw his side's five-match winning streak come to an end.

"I think catching is something which obviously made a huge difference," Patel said after GT's 29-run loss. "So when you are playing high-scoring games, when you are playing against quality batters, you don't get many opportunities. As soon as you get that opportunity, you have to make sure you catch the balls. And I thought that was the difference."

GT fielders gave chances to all three KKR batters who made significant contributions. Finn Allen was on 33 when Mohammed Siraj dropped him at long-on; he went on to score 93 off 35 balls, including 60 off just 18.

Cameron Green was on 23 when Arshad Khan dropped him and even palmed the ball to the ropes for four; Green finished with an unbeaten 52 off 28 balls.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi was dropped on 53 when Washington Sundar spilled a chance; he went on to make 82*.

Once KKR had 247/2 on the board, a GT win, which they needed to qualify, looked unlikely.

Shubman Gill, speaking at the post-match presentation, said GT "did not deserve to win" this match. "... Our fielding could have been a lot better," the GT captain said. "We set a certain standard and dropping three sitters in a game like this, I don't think we deserved to win this one."

Despite the fielding lapses, Patel appreciated Finn Allen's innings, especially the effort against his side's new-ball attack.

"He played a very good innings, there is no doubt about it. We thought that it was not an easy pitch. And the quality and pace attack that we have. We are talking about Mohammed Siraj, KG Rabada. These are established fast bowlers. So he played a very good game against them," Patel said.

Allen himself said it was a bit "tricky" at the start facing the seasoned Siraj-Rabada duo, and his focus was on playing what he got and rotating strike if needed. He also wanted to take "responsibility" after captain Ajinkya Rahane got out.

"Today it was definitely tricky at the start," Allen said. "We knew that was going to be the case. Two of probably the best opening bowlers in the comp as well. So I think I just, to be honest, had a plan of, you know, just hit what I got. And if I didn't get the ball I wanted, just try and get off strike or just not get out, really. So it was one of those wickets. And then, yeah, I just wanted to be there for a long time. Especially once Jinx got out, I knew I had to take a bit of responsibility."

On his method, Allen said, "Yeah, I think it's just for me keeping my intent early, trying to get in good positions. If it's there, try and hit it for four or six. And if it's not, just try and get off strike, really. I guess for me, I'm just trying to get in stronger positions so I can be more consistent. You know, that's going to help me combat the ball moving off the wicket and swing. So that's the plan, really. Just try and keep it simple."