IPL Playoff Spot In Doubt, Gambhir Says Kolkata Knight Riders Destiny In Team's Hand

With five teams in fray for three berths in the IPL's last-four stage, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir is ruing KKR's slump in form at a crucial stage of the tournament. The former Indian opener feels that KKR will now face a test of character and play to potential.

After their six-wicket defeat against Gujarat Lions in Kanpur on Thursday, two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders are currently fourth in the points table with 14 points from 13 matches. KKR now face a must-win game against No. 1 Sunrisers Hyderabad at home on Sunday.

"You turn up to win a game and destiny is in our own hands. We have to play good cricket if we have to win the tournament," said Gambhir in a post-match chat.

KKR, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians have identical points (14 from 13 games) but RCB's current momentum somewhat gives Virat Kohli's team a healthy edge over KKR and MI.

Sunrisers have all but qualified and Gujarat Lions - 16 points from 13 matches - have a foot in the last-four. Gujarat play Mumbai on Saturday.

KKR looked solid when the tournament started and most pundits felt the former champions would make the playoffs for sure. But the slump in form and the poor batting on a good deck at Green Park has upset Gambhir's plans.

"It was a decent wicket. We could have scored 150-160. When you end up with 124 it is difficult to restrict the opposition. It was one of those days where nothing worked for us," lamented Gambhir.

The KKR skipper said his players now have to play to their potential and not wait for other team's performance to qualify for the playoffs.