KKR vs PBKS Match Preview

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 44th match of the IPL 2025 on Saturday night in Kolkata. KKR has struggled with form this season, with only three wins from eight games, leaving them seventh in the standings. Punjab is doing better, with five victories and three losses, and currently ranks fifth. They've already defeated KKR once this year and appear to be in a better position to do so again. 

KKR vs PBKS Match Details 

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings – 44th Match, IPL 2025

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Date & Time: 26th April 2025 at 07:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

KKR vs PBKS Venue Stats

Avg 1st inn score	208
Avg 2nd inn score	194
Win% batting 1st	54
Win% batting 2nd	46

KKR vs PBKS Pitch Report

The Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata is well-known for being a wicket that is conducive to batting. The new ball should be offered with good bounce and carry. The spinners might benefit from the dryness.

KKR vs PBKS Weather Report

The temperature will be extremely hot and humid. With some showers expected in Kolkata, the season opener is in danger of rain.  

KKR vs PBKS Last Five Matches

KKR ( Kolkata Knight Riders )	L L W L W
PBKS ( Punjab Kings )	L W W L W

KKR vs PBKS Head-to-Head Stats

	Matches Played	PBKS Won	KKR Won	Tie	NR
Overall	34	21	13	0	0
Last 5	5	3	2	0	0

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

KKR vs PBKS Probable Playing XIs:

Kolkata Knight Riders Probable Playing XIs

Punjab Kings Probable Playing XIs

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar (Impact Player)

Topmost Picks for KKR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Kolkata Knight Riders

• Angkrish Raghuvanshi – The youngster has scored 197 runs in 7 innings, averaging 38.71 and a strike rate of 149.24.
• Sunil Narine –  Sunil Narine added depth with seven wickets and an impressive economy rate of 7.33.

Top Picks – Punjab Kings

• Shreyas Iyer – Shreyas Iyer has been consistent at number three, scoring 263 runs in 8 innings with a strike rate of 185.21. 
• Arshdeep Singh –  Arshdeep Singh has been consistent—11 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 8.66.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for KKR vs PBKS Dream11 Team:

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya(VC), Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine(C), Andre Russell, Marco Jansen, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for KKR vs PBKS Dream11 Team:

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer(C), Ajinkya Rahane(VC), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Marco Jansen, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Shreyas Iyer, Sunil Narine

Vice-captain – Priyansh Arya, Ajinkya Rahane

Wicketkeeper – Prabhsimran Singh

KKR vs PBKS Probable Winners:

Defending champions The Kolkata Knight Riders have not lived up to expectations. Their season has fallen away unless they win soon. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings have performed better overall, but when they falter, they collapse quickly. That's the opportunity that KKR will be looking to exploit. Punjab's top order has struggled to find rhythm, and if Eden Gardens serves up another slow track, they may have a difficult time. Still, Kolkata has its own issues, including batting that does not click frequently enough and a shaky bowling unit. Considering the team combination, Punjab Kings is expected to win this match.