Embrace tough phases and play with freedom, says Rahane

Winless after six matches, time is running out for Kolkata Knight Riders playoff hopes but their embattled skipper Ajinkya Rahane has urged the side to "embrace tough phases, play with freedom, and focus on one game at a time".

Loss has been one constant for the three-time former champions this season as they endured a five-wicket loss against Gujarat Titans to slump to their fifth defeat from six matches with their solitary point coming courtesy a rain washout against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens.

A minimum of seven wins is needed from a 10-team league to keep a team's playoff aspirations alive.

With eight matches to go and one point in their kitty, the task will be an improbable one for KKR from here on.