India, April 18 -- Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane messaging after Friday's defeat to Gujarat Titans wasn't laced with panic, but carried the tone of a side running out of road. "It's about accepting and embracing these tough days. Every day is a new day... trying to do better, playing with freedom, and backing each other," Rahane was philosophical after the five-wicket loss in Ahmedabad.

Here's the reality though. After five losses in six matches-one was abandoned due to rain-Sunday's tie against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens is no longer just another league fixture. It is, for all practical purposes, an elimination match.

Another defeat and the mathematics become unforgiving. Even a win might not guarantee control. Thi...