Revealed: Why Jason Roy isn't included in KKR's playing XI today vs GT

KKR overseas opener Jason Roy isn't included in their playing XI today against GT.

Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered a massive blow as Jason Roy has been ruled out of today's game against the Gujarat Titans at the Eden Gardens. Knight Riders' captain Nitish Rana revealed at the toss that the explosive England opener has sustained a back niggle and Rahmanullah Gurbaz has returned.

Roy, signed as a replacement for Shakib al Hasan, has proved his mettle for the two-time champions in his brief outings so far. The South African-born cricketer has smashed two fifties in IPL 2023, including a 19-ball fifty against the Chennai Super Kings at home. However, it resulted in a losing cause as Kolkata fell short by 49 runs in pursuit of 236.

Rana said:

"We would have batted first, DLS could come into the equation, but we would still have batted first. There are always areas where we can improve, we have had some forced changes - Jason Roy has a back issue, he's replaced by Gurbaz. Harshit Rana replaces Umesh Yadav."

The 32-year-old was on song yet again when the Knight Riders locked horns with the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Roy provided his side with an electric start, clobbering a 29-ball 56 as Kolkata set a stiff 201 to win for the home side. They clinched a much-needed 21-run victory and broke their four-match losing streak.

KKR eyeing back-to-back victories after losing the toss against Gujarat Titans

After defeating RCB, the two-time champions are also aiming to beat the defending champions and boost their playoff hopes. It is the return fixture between the two sides, with the Knight Riders claiming the previous one in Ahmedabad after a heist win scripted by Rinku Singh's final-over heroics.

With 29 required off the final over in pursuit of 205, Rinku smashed the last five balls for as many maximums to stun the Titans. Rashid Khan's hat-trick to turn the tide in favour of his side went in vain as he failed to prevent the loss. Nevertheless, the Titans are also coming on the back of beating the Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians.

Hence, they will want to avenge that loss at the iconic Eden Gardens.