KKR vs PBKS IPL 2025 Match Preview: The players are padded and the pavilion is abuzz at Eden Gardens as the defending champions of IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), take on a resurgent Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a high-stakes clash scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. Currently placed fifth on the table, Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, have had a strong campaign so far, collecting 10 points from their outings with only three losses.
For KKR, this fixture is more than just a home game, it’s a chance to bounce back after back-to-back defeats, including a dismal performance where they were bowled out for just 95 runs in their previous encounter with PBKS. A win for Punjab tonight would boost their playoff chances significantly, pushing them ahead of contenders like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the race for the top four.
KKR vs PBKS pitch report
Eden Gardens continues to live up to its reputation as a batting paradise, particularly during the first innings. The average score at this venue stands at 181, with first-innings totals often pushing around 193 runs. However, as the game progresses, pacers could find some assistance under the lights in the second innings favouring 70% towards pace-bowlers. Given these conditions, the captain winning the toss is likely to opt for batting first to put up a commanding total and take early control of the match.
KKR vs PBKS Kolkata weather update
As per AccuWeather reports, Kolkata’s Eden Garden is under a sunny sky in the day with maximum temperatures going to 37 degrees. Bringing a brief respite to the players, temperatures will fall to 31 degrees with no chance of rainfall. Giving suitable match-conditions, this crucial KKR vs PBKS match is expected to be an entertainer for fans. In the following week however, there are heavy thunderstorms predicted.
KKR vs PBKS predicted playing XI
With all eyes on headliners Yuzvendra Chahal and Shreyas Iyer, there is always a twist with the impact player selection. After Ajinkya Rahane at the top of the leaderboard with over 270 runs in 8 matches, it is dominated by PBKS players overall. Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have all crossed the 200 run marks this season.
Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), RK Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ajinkya Rahane (C), VR Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, AD Russell, SP Narine, MM Ali, Varun Chakravarthy, H Rana
Punjab Super Kings Predicted Playing XI – P Simran Singh, JP Inglis (wk), N Wadhera, S Iyer (C), P Arya, Shashank Singh, MP Stoinis, M Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Xavier Bartlett
KKR vs PBKS will be streaming live on JioHotstar apps and broadcasted across Star Sports Network with the toss at 7 PM IST.