On Saturday, April 26, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will welcome Punjab Kings (PBKS) to Eden Gardens for Match 44 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2025).
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Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings: Preview
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a prime opportunity just ten days ago to set their IPL 2025 campaign on the right track. Chasing a manageable target of 112 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), they were in a strong position to grab two crucial points and potentially boost their net run rate. However, a shocking collapse saw KKR fall short, posting just 95. To make matters worse, they suffered another heavy defeat to Gujarat Titans (GT) on Monday. Both losses highlighted the struggles of their middle and lower-middle order, putting their title defense in jeopardy. To stay in the playoff race, KKR now need to win five of their remaining six matches.
For PBKS, that thrilling victory over KKR could mark a pivotal moment in their season. After sharing points with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their home-and-away encounters, PBKS now have five wins from eight games and are firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot.
PBKS need at least three wins from their final six matches to secure a comfortable position. However, history is a looming concern, as they haven’t made the playoffs since 2014. The key issue in their game remains middle-order stability, and resolving this could determine whether they secure qualification, finish in the top four, or even push for a top-two finish.
Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are gearing up for another clash, just over ten days after that thrilling encounter where PBKS successfully defended a mere 111. The last time they met in IPL 2024, PBKS chased down an incredible 262 in a remarkable display. These two teams have now been part of IPL history for both the lowest successful defense and the highest successful chase. What will Saturday’s contest bring?
What stands out from both those matches is that Punjab Kings emerged victorious each time. KKR will be hoping for a change of fortune this time—not just to avenge those defeats, but to reignite their campaign. The defending champions have been inconsistent, and right now, six teams are in a stronger position to secure playoff spots, with PBKS being one of them. A statement win against an in-form team like PBKS could certainly boost KKR’s morale.
On the other hand, PBKS will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to RCB in their previous match. With their overseas combinations still in flux, PBKS have largely relied on their Indian players throughout this season. A strong performance from the likes of Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis could further strengthen their title credentials.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have struggled with the poorest average (19) for the first wicket in IPL 2025. With the clock ticking on their campaign, it might be time to reconsider Sunil Narine’s role at the top of the order.
Both teams have faced challenges in the middle-order (Nos. 4 to 7), with KKR having the worst average in this area at 20.47, while PBKS isn’t far behind at 23.90.
Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer has experienced contrasting fortunes between home and away matches this season. In his four away games, he has averaged an impressive 119, but at home, his average drops drastically to just 6.25.
PBKS also faces significant differences in their powerplay performances. Their batting, led by Prabhsimran and Priyansh, has been exceptional with a powerplay run rate of 10.67, the highest among all teams. However, their bowling in the first six overs has been lackluster, with just ten wickets, the joint-lowest in the tournament.
Additionally, KKR’s spinners, Narine and Varun, have struggled when they go wicketless together. Since IPL 2022, KKR has lost all seven games where both spinners failed to take a wicket, including three such matches in 2022, one in 2023, and three in 2025.
Since 2020, there has been a different winner in every alternate game between KKR and PBKS, adding to the unpredictability of their matchups.
KKR have been dominant in Kolkata, winning 9 out of the 13 IPL games against PBKS at home. This record is the second-best by any team against an opponent at a specific venue.
However, KKR are the only team in IPL 2025 yet to register a 50-plus opening stand, highlighting a significant area of concern for their batting lineup.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings: Recent Form
Kolkata Knight Riders LLWLW (last five matches, most recent first)
Punjab Kings LWWLW
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Although Kolkata’s conditions generally favor the chasing team due to the expected dew, their match against GT defied this trend, with Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore extracting significant turn. The game will be held on the same pitch, so the toss-winning team may opt to bat first.
Both teams will face hot temperatures, but the exact nature of the pitch remains uncertain. There’s been considerable discussion about the pitches in Kolkata, and considering Yuzvendra Chahal’s success just ten days ago, KKR may want to reconsider playing on a slow surface.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings: Head-to-Head
- Matches Played: 34
- Won by Kolkata Knight Riders: 21
- Won by Punjab Kings: 13
- Tied: 00
- No Result: 00
- First-ever Fixture: May 3, 2008
- Most-recent Fixture: April 15, 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings: Team News and Predicted XI
Kolkata Knight Riders – Team News
KKR made a change at the top by giving Rahmanullah Gurbaz a chance, though he didn’t have a significant impact. Despite this, they are likely to stick with him for the next match. With limited bench strength, there won’t be any immediate replacements, even after two consecutive defeats. Gurbaz is expected to retain his opening position, and the only uncertainty remains whether Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson, or Anrich Nortje will fill the fourth overseas spot.
Venkatesh Iyer hasn’t been particularly impressive in IPL 2025, but with Rahane struggling against spin, Iyer could play a key role in the middle order. He also boasts a solid record against Chahal. There’s an argument for Russell to face Chahal as well, given his strong performance of 99 runs off 50 balls against the legspinner.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Predicted XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Ajinkya Rahane (capt)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Vaibhav Arora
Punjab Kings – Team News
None of Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, or Josh Inglis have been able to find form for PBKS. Despite getting multiple opportunities, none of them have impressed so far. However, Maxwell’s offspin might make him a contender to replace Stoinis in the XI, particularly with KKR fielding a left-hander-heavy lineup. Although PBKS lost their last match, they may opt to stick with the same combination.
In IPL 2025, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Moeen Ali have been among the most economical bowlers (with a minimum of 10 overs bowled). If Eden Gardens provides assistance to spin in this match, Shreyas Iyer could play a pivotal role for PBKS. He has yet to be dismissed by spin this season and has an impressive strike rate of nearly 196 against spin bowlers in IPL 2025.
Punjab Kings – Predicted XI
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer
- Josh Inglis
- Nehal Wadhera
- Marcus Stoinis/Glenn Maxwell
- Shashank Singh
- Harpreet Brar
- Marco Jansen
- Arshdeep Singh
- Xavier Bartlett
- Yuzvendra Chahal
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings: Players To Watch Out For
Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders)
KKR have shown unwavering faith in Venkatesh Iyer since his breakout season. They opted to retain him ahead of Shubman Gill before IPL 2022 and made a significant investment in him at the IPL 2025 auction. However, his form this season has been concerning, with three single-digit scores in six innings and a slow 14 off 19 against GT, which underscores his struggles.
On Saturday, he faces a tough challenge in Marco Jansen, who has dismissed him three times in four innings, conceding only 14 runs at an average of 4.67. The question remains: can Venkatesh overcome a difficult season and deliver when it’s most needed?
Yuzvendra Chahal (Punjab Kings)
Yuzvendra Chahal has found his rhythm after a slow start to IPL 2025, picking up seven wickets in his last three matches. His most impressive performance came against KKR, where he dismantled their middle order with a brilliant four-wicket haul.
The key to Chahal’s resurgence has been a return to his core strengths: giving the ball more flight, using dip, and relying on his variations to outsmart the batsmen. This revival has significantly strengthened the PBKS middle-overs attack.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Kolkata Knight Riders win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 65-75
- Punjab Kings Total: 210-220
- Match Result: Punjab Kings win the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: Punjab Kings win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Score: 55-65
- Kolkata Knight Riders Total: 200-210
- Match Result: Punjab Kings win the match
When and Where To Watch Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday, April 26, at the Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Read More: IPL 2025: SRH Break New Ground with First-Ever Win at Chepauk, Hand CSK Fourth Straight Home Defeat
FAQs
What is KKR’s current form in IPL 2025?
KKR has struggled in IPL 2025, facing two consecutive defeats and showing inconsistency, particularly in their middle and lower-middle order.
How has Punjab Kings performed in IPL 2025?
Punjab Kings are in strong form, with five wins in eight matches, and are one of the frontrunners for a playoff spot, despite a recent loss to RCB.
What are KKR’s key weaknesses in IPL 2025?
KKR’s key issues include a poor opening partnership, struggling middle order, and a lack of consistent performances from key players.
Who has been KKR’s most impactful bowler in IPL 2025?
Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy are among KKR’s most economical bowlers this season, but the team’s spin attack has lacked significant impact.
How has Yuzvendra Chahal performed for PBKS in IPL 2025?
Yuzvendra Chahal has been in great form, taking seven wickets in his last three matches, including a standout performance with a four-wicket haul against KKR.
