Ahmedabad, May 13: Gujarat Titans' hopes of qualifying for the Indian Premier League play-offs was dashed on Monday as rain washed out their must-win match against Kolkata Knight Riders here without a ball being bowled.

It meant KKR were assured of a top two finish with 19 points from 13 games and a place in the Qualifier 1. GT, the last year's runners-up and 2022 champions, are out of the play-off race, garnering 11 points from 13 matches.

The toss didn't happen at scheduled time of 7 pm due to incessant lightning, which was followed by slight drizzle that became heavier as time passed by.

The cut-off time was 10:56 PM for a five-over contest but the official decided to abandon the match, a first in this IPL, because of the consistently intensifying rain and wet outfield.

"It is a big achievement for us. The chat before the game (vs GT) was about not letting up, turning up with the right attitude.

"GG (Gautam Gambhir) has been pretty solid with how he wants us to play as a team. He stressed on us to come here and still look for two points," said Kolkata's opener Phil Salt as the teams waited for the rain to subside.

KKR has already secured their place in the play-offs after they defeated Mumbai Indians in their previous fixture.

Rajasthan Royals are second in the standings with 16 points from 12 games, while defending champions Chennai Super Kings are placed third with 14 points from 13 matches.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are placed fourth with 14 points from 12 matches, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru are on fifth with 12 points from 13 games.

With 12 points from as many games, Lucknow Super Giants are still in the play-off race, while Delhi Capitals are virtually out of the reckoning with 12 points from 13 matches.

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Belthangady: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has begun excavation work at multiple locations in Dharmasthala after a man claimed he had buried several bodies across the temple town. The complainant was brought to the site by officials to help identify the alleged burial spots.

On Monday, the man pointed out 13 different locations near the Netravati bathing ghat, stating that he had personally interred human remains there. Acting on his claims, the SIT returned to the area on Tuesday morning with labourers and began digging at the marked sites using manual tools.

The operation is being conducted under tight police security, with media access strictly denied. Red ribbons now cordon off each location, and night patrols were deployed on Monday to guard the sites.

Senior officials including Internal Security Division SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama, ED Mangaluru Zone SP C.A. Simon, Puttur AC Stella Varghese, and others are present at the location.

A medical team from KMC Hospital, Mangaluru, led by Dr. Jagadish Rao and Dr. Rashmi has also joined the SIT at the site.