Is Finn Allen playing today in GT vs KKR IPL 2026 clash?

Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are struggling hugely in the IPL 2026. In the 25th game of the IPL 2026, KKR are facing the hosts Gujarat Titans (GT) on Friday night (April 17). A question has suddenly been raised in the KKR squad, whether the New Zealand cricketer Finn Allen is playing the match or not. 

Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is hosting the GT vs KKR match on Friday night. Before this match, KKR won only once against GT, which was recorded in the 2023 early league stage edition, where KKR claimed a three-wicket win against the hosts GT in Ahmedabad in a final-ball thriller. GT won three other games against KKR, as they are now facing each other for the fifth time. 

In the IPL 2026 fixture at Ahmedabad, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and chose to field first. During the toss, KKR skipper clarified that the New Zealand opening batter Finn Allen has been replaced with his native opening partner Tim Seifert. However, Allen is in the impact substitute squad, although he is unlikely to be used for the game. 

See Also: Watch: Mohammed Siraj dismisses Ajinkya Rahane for golden duck during GT vs KKR clash in IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders searching for their first win in IPL 2026

KKR have experienced one of the worst starts in their IPL season history. Before the match against the hosts Gujarat Titans, KKR played five games, including three home fixtures, out of which they lost four games and had one no result. The three-time IPL champions are in the 10th or last position in the IPL 2026 points table with only one point in five matches. So, the franchise is really desperate to record its first win this season. 

Why is Finn Allen not playing today GT vs KKR IPL 2026 match

New Zealand cricketer Finn Allen was in strong batting form during the recently completed ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka jointly hosted from February to March. With one century in the Semi-final against South Africa, Allen scored 298 runs in eight innings with an average of 49.66 and a strike rate of 200. 

However, Allen has struggled hugely in the ongoing IPL season. After getting some positive starts in KKR's first two games of the season, by scoring 37 and 28 runs against Mumbai Indians and SunRisers Hyderabad, respectively, he failed to manage double-digit scores in the last three games. The right-handed batter scored 6, 9, and 1 runs against Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Chennai Super Kings, respectively.

While KKR desperately need a win, the opening start is very crucial for the franchise. So, the KKR has chosen Tim Seifert to replace Allen for the match against Gujarat Titans. Seifert was the second most run-scorer in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored 326 runs in eight innings with an average of 46.57 and a strike rate of 166.32, including four half-centuries.