The highly anticipated IPL 2025 Match 44 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens ended in frustration after rain poured down, forcing an abandonment. The PBKS set a strong total at 201 runs in the innings, and right before KKR could start their chase, rain began pouring down. KKR fans once again started holding on to hope that for some reason, the rains would disappear thanks to the rainy atmosphere and the strong breeze blowing through, but steady showers arrived, and not even five minimum overs were able to be bowled to constitute a valid game. Both teams were awarded one point each according to IPL guidelines due to the no-result.

How the Washout Impacts KKR

For KKR, the washout was a major disappointment in an already poor season. A victory vs. PBKS could have helped maintain KKR's playoff hopes and the opportunity to gain some momentum going forward. Instead, the point shared is somewhat a consolation; however, they are still behind in the playoff hunt.

In addition, the Knight Riders are running out of time. Each game they play from now on, the margin for error shrinks. They are in a position now where almost every game is a must-win. Right now, if they lose any game, the chances of claiming one of the top four spots diminish rapidly, and the rain-affected match at Eden Gardens will certainly mask this disappointment for the home team and their loyal fans.

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Varun Chakravarthy Destroys Maxwell—Suresh Raina’s Cheeky Comment Goes Viral!

PBKS Benefit From Abandonment Slightly

On the other hand, Punjab Kings will be somewhat satisfied with the outcome. Before the match, PBKS had already managed five victories in eight games and was in fifth place on the table. While they would have loved to win the match to solidify their chances for the playoffs, one point clocks them in to competing for the top four while keeping their net run rate (NRR) intact. Importantly, losing would have been detrimental to their campaign going forward.

The single point from the washout puts PBKS where it is still very much in the race for a playoff spot, and more importantly, PBKS is now a spot clear from the cluster of teams vying for playoff positions in the bottom half. With several matches still to play, PBKS is in a strong position to move higher up the table. Maintaining consistency is vital as they enter the business end of the tournament, but while this match didn't deliver a win, it certainly didn't do any damage.

Also Read: IPL 2025, KKR vs PBKS: What Happens if Rain Abandons Match 44 at Eden Gardens?

KKR vs PBKS: Who Has Benefitted More?

All things considered, while neither team would have wanted a washout, it is difficult to argue that PBKS did not come away with slightly more from this abandonment. PBKS still has control of its playoff destiny with several matches still to play. By contrast, any washout only adds to the pressure on KKR since nearly every match remaining must be won to maintain their playoff aspirations. As the IPL 2025 season moves towards the business end of the season, every point counts, and for KKR, time is quickly running out.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are playing the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on April 26 in an important IPL 2025 match. Matchday is the second time KKR and PBKS will face each other this year, after PBKS had a comfortable win by protecting a dismal total of 112 over KKR in their first meeting this season. 

In today's match, PBKS put together a formidable total of 201 in the regulation 20 overs, which puts KKR under considerable pressure. However, just before the start of the second inning, rain intervened, and efficiently, the covers were brought to the field. However, there was a bit of wind floating about the ground that could also conduct clouds away from the stadium, which should get us back to the game nice and quickly. The playing conditions state that a minimum of 5 overs must be played of KKR's innings for a result to occur. In the event rain continues and the match cannot be completed, both teams would gain one point for the abandoned match. If the rain affects play so that KKR can only face a 5-over chase, then they would have to chase only 61 in the revised target.

How a Washout Could Impact the Teams

For KKR, the situation is very serious. They are in seventh place with 3 wins from eight matches, and any further losses (or, in today's case, a washout) will leave them dangerously close to elimination. KKR cannot afford any further setbacks with every match so crucially important, and today could be a key juncture in their season. 

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Varun Chakravarthy Destroys Maxwell—Suresh Raina’s Cheeky Comment Goes Viral!

On the other side of the fence is PBKS, who are enjoying a decent season so far, sitting at fifth place with 5 wins from eight matches. If they win today, they can still keep their chances for a top-four playoff finish alive, but even in case of a washout, they will move up the table and increase their points by one, and more importantly, not suffer deterioration to their net run rate (NRR). Of course they would have liked a win since it would give them more momentum and confidence.

On April 26, in the IPL 2025 game between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), KKR's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy proved competent once again over PBKS superstar Glenn Maxwell. PBKS was chasing a decent score of 173, as in only 16.3 overs, it made an impressive 172 for 2 at a strong run rate of 10.42. However, Chakravarthy had a different plan for Maxwell and his 'bundles of mystery spin.'

Chakravarthy dismissed Maxwell, and it was the fifth time 'Chakra' had dismissed the Australian in just eight IPL innings. This was a huge turning point in the match, as Chakravarthy showed that he is capable of troubling the best of the best. The dismissal spawned a cheeky viral comment from former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, who said, "Varun Chakravarthy keeps Glenn Maxwell in his pocket."

Raina's cheeky comment made on social media went viral and has divided opinion amongst fans, with some protecting Raina's cheekiness and others stating it was an unfair statement. It also led to debate regarding the PBKS's team selection, with fans criticizing the franchise for picking overseas players like Maxwell rather than Indian players who were currently in form, like Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh. Chakravarthy's performance also reinforced he was a critical asset for KKR.

Watch the video here

Suresh Raina said, "Varun Chakravarthy keeps Glenn Maxwell in his pocket". pic.twitter.com/GScdMZzyKI

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 26, 2025

Also Read: Shubman Gill drops bombshell revelation about his relationship with Sara Tendulkar

Chakravarthy’s Dominance against Maxwell

Chakravarthy's record against Maxwell underscores his abilities as a mystery spinner. Notably, Chakravarthy has 83 wickets in 70 IPL matches at an economy rate of 7.56, and he has consistently deceived aggressive batsmen in the past. Maxwell has long struggled with his untraditional variations, and Chakravarthy has been able to feast on his attacking mindset in IPL matchups. Because of this, the two have become highlights of IPL contests. He was able to expose Maxwell's risk-taking mentality, as well as that of other all-star players such as MS Dhoni, which has marked him as a big-match player.

The dismissal and Raina’s comment also reignited discussions about PBKS’s team selection and Maxwell’s form. One fan expressed frustration with PBKS’s management, led by coach Ricky Ponting, for favoring overseas players like Maxwell over in-form Indian talents like Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh. Maxwell’s inconsistent performances in IPL 2025 have been a talking point, with some fans labeling him a "flop show" in this season.

In the 44th match of the IPL 2025, where Kolkata Knight Riders are hosting Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday evening (April 27), KKR dropped two important players, Moeen Ali and Ramandeep Singh. Here, we will know the reason for these exclusions. 

It is the fifth match of the IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This venue is in controversy this year, as Kolkata Knight Riders haven't found home advantages from this venue, while spin-bowling is their biggest strength with the presence of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Moeen Ali. 

See Also: IPL 2025: Why only one match is scheduled on 26 April?

Why is Moeen Ali not playing?

Former English cricketer Moeen Ali has proven to be an important player for KKR this season. He was present during the defending champions' all three wins in the ongoing IPL season. In their away matches against Rajasthan Royals (2/23) and Chennai Super Kings (1/20), Moeen Ali had important roles with the ball. However, in their home matches, Moeen Ali had no effective role during their victory against SunRisers Hyderabad and a wicketless bowling performance in their defeat against Gujarat Titans (0/27). With the bat, Moeen scored 5 and 0 runs this season. 

While Eden Gardens hasn't produced the spin-friendly wickets this season yet, the KKR team management has probably felt that the English cricketer may not fit well into the squad for the home match against the Punjab Kings. The hosts have focused on batting power, as Rovman Powell earned the cap by replacing the former English all-rounder. 

Ramandeep Singh struggling with bat

In the meantime, Ramandeep Singh is deeply struggling with the bat, as his scores this season are 6 not out, 22, 1, 0, and 1. Anyone can easily tell that the aggressive middle-order batter is out of touch. While the KKR batting isn't working well, Singh's present performance is just unacceptable. While Rovman Powell is set to prove himself in the batting order, the team management has also gone for the left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya.

Kolkata Knight Riders are desperate for a victory, as they are in seventh place with six points after eight games, recording three wins and five losses. More losses will mean it's too late for the defending champions.

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

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 vs PBKS Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

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

Also Read: IPL 2025: MI vs CSK Dream11 Prediction 38th Match

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.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is returning with exciting cricket action, which is all set to begin on April 22, 2025. This season holds the promise of exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and memorable performances by the best cricketers in the world. Fans globally are eagerly waiting to watch and support their favorite teams. From watching television to streaming online, here is a complete guide to IPL 2025 

KKR vs PBKS  IPL 2025 Showdown

Date: April 21st, 2025
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Time: 7:30 PM IST

Key Battles
Sunil Narine vs Jos Inglis
Narine's variations might prove challenging for the Aussie, who's yet to get accustomed to the IPL spin task.

Andre Russell vs Xavier Bartlett
Two high-powered punchers of pace, Russell's brawn vs Bartlett's bounce, may be the difference in the death overs.

Rinku Singh vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Rinku, the finisher, will have to negotiate Chahal's guile key in the middle and death overs.

Shreyas Iyer vs Varun Chakravarthy (if he comes in earlier)
Iyer will have to rise as a senior anchor while dealing with the mystery spin of Varun, if the matchups are favorable.

ALSO READ:IPL 2025: KKR vs PBKS Prediction– Match 44, Who will win today?

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI

Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI 

Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz/ Quinton De Kock, Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Moeen Ali, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy 

Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora

Punjab Kings Playing XI

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Jos Inglis, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Player: Harpreet Brar

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 26, 2025, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This thrilling contest between two strong teams will be influenced by the weather and pitch conditions, which will play a crucial role in determining the result of the match.

Match Details

• Date: April 26, 2025
• Time: 07:30 PM IST
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Win% % Batting First: 40%
• Win% % Bowling First: 58%

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

Weather Report: 

Kolkata’s weather forecast for match day looks promising with no threat of rain. Clear skies and mild winds are expected, making it ideal for a full game. The temperature will start around 31°C and gradually cool down during the match.

• Temperature: Starting at 31°C and cooling off as the game progresses.
• Winds: Light winds, with no major impact on gameplay.
• Precipitation: No rain forecast, ensuring a continuous match.
• Humidity: Moderate levels of humidity are expected but won't cause any major issues. (64% humidity).

Also read: 'Where is the thought process? - Former cricketer raised concerns for Rajasthan Royals coached by Rahul Dravid

Pitch Report:

Eden Gardens is renowned for its lively pitch, which offers a good balance between bat and ball. The pitch offers decent bounce and carry for the pacers but also gives batsmen the chance to play aggressive shots. It is generally a high-scoring venue, and fans can expect a thrilling contest.

• Batting and Bowling Friendly: While pacers may get some movement early on, the pitch is mostly friendly for aggressive batting.
• Spinners: Spinners may come into play during the latter stages of the match, but overall, it favors batsmen.
• Boundary Dimensions: Eden Gardens has relatively large boundaries, but batsmen can still clear them with the right shots.

Venue Records:

• Highest Team Total: 262/2 by PBKS against Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Lowest Team Total: 49/10 by RCB against Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Average First Innings Score: Around 170 runs.

With favorable weather conditions and a pitch that promises a great contest between bat and ball, the KKR vs PBKS match is set to be an exciting one at the Eden Gardens.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play against Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) in the forty-fourth match of IPL 2025 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. KKR won the title last season, while Punjab Kings (PBKS) just missed the playoffs.

Impact Players: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Angkrish Raghuvanshi: A promising youngster who is showing an impact when batting second. He played this role the most for KKR's last IPL season, scoring 163 runs in 10 matches. Last time he played against GT, he scored 27 runs in 13 balls.

Manish Pandey: A dependable batter who can come in as an impact player if KKR loses early wickets while batting first. In the twelfth match against MI in IPL 2025 in a crucial situation he played very calmly and scored valuable 19 runs in 14 balls.

Mayank Markande: A leg-spinner who can be used as an impact player in the second innings if the team needs a spin.

Vaibhav Arora: A pacer who swings the ball and can be brought in as an impact in the second innings if the pitch helps fast bowlers. Against SRH, he bowled crucial powerplay overs but the ball didn't swing in that pitch. In last match against GT, he bowled 4 overs and took 1 wicket an economy of 11.00.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: KKR vs PBKS Match 44 - A Head to Head breakdown

Impact Players: Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Suryansh Shegde: An all-rounder has played 9 T20 matches, As a batter, they have scored 131 runs in 9 innings at a good strike rate of 251.92 and an average of 43.67. In Bowling, he took 8 wickets in 9 innings, with their best performance being 2/11. Last time he played against KKR he scored 4 runs in 4 balls.

Nehal Wadhera: A left-handed batter who played 20 IPL matches and batted in 16 innings, scoring 350 runs at a strike rate of 140.00 and an average of 23.33. Their ability to find the boundary often makes them a valuable asset to the team, likely playing a middle-order role. Last time he played against SRH he scored 33 run in 19 balls.

Vyshak Vijaykumar:  The last time he played for RCB, an extra bowling option was in the second innings. In the last match against GT, he bowled 4 overs conceding 28 runs without any wicket.

Priyansh Arya: A Promising all-rounder has played 28 T20 matches, batting in all 28 innings and scoring 1,181 runs at an impressive strike rate of 181.69 and an average of 45.42. His powerful hitting helps the second innings if batting conditions are good and he can bowl some magical spin if the team needs it. Last time he played against KKR he scored 16 runs in 11 balls.

The 44th match of IPL 2025 finds the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) up against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 26th, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. We will look at the history, key match-ups, and previous meetings to get ready for this exciting IPL 2025 match-up.

Head-to-Head Record

KKR and PBKS have played a total of 34 times in the IPL since the inception of PBKS (formerly Kings XI Punjab).

• KKR Wins: 21
• PBKS Wins: 13
• Result No.: 0

Win Percentage: KKR leads the head-to-head record with a win percentage of 61.76%.   KKR has a pretty good record at Eden Gardens, winning 8 out of the 11 matches played by KKR against PBKS.  The pitch at Eden Gardens made for a nice contest between bat and ball, with KKR having a potent mix of spin and pace bowling and PBKS having the capability for a big-hitting batting lineup that is normally inconsistent at Eden Gardens.

Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR vs PBKS Match 44 - Eden Gardens stadium stats and preview

Most Marked KKR vs PBKS Matches

The KKR-PBKS matchup has a good set of close, entertaining matches that had power-hitting, close finishes, and standout individual performances. Let's lay out some of the more memorable matches: 

IPL 2024, Match 42 (26 April Kolkata

• PBKS Score: 262/2 18.5 overs
• KKR Score: 261/6 20 Overs
• Result: PBKS won by 8 wickets

Facing the highest-ever target of 262 - a hallowed high standard for successful run chases in IPL cricket - PBKS was led by Jonny Bairstow (108* off 48) (8 fours and 9 sixes) and Shashank Singh (68 off 28) and were ultimately able to chase the 262 target. KKR scored 261/6; the highlights were Phil Salt (75 off 37) and Sunil Narine (71 off 32). PBKS's Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 20) also set the tone early to chase the highest-ever total. Bairstow's defining hundred earned him player of the match, defining a match that shows, like that chase shows, little fear of KKR's batting armada at Eden Gardens.

IPL 2025, Match 31 (16 April 2025)—Mullanpur

• PBKS Score: 111/8 20 Overs
• KKR Score: 95 All out in 18.2 Overs
• Result: PBKS won by 16 runs

With the lowest total ever in IPL history of 111, PBKS was able to defend that case with the calmness and conviction it takes to win a cricket match, including the highest score of 28 with Shreyas Iyer. Despite Andre Russell's (24) batting attempt, Yuzvendra Chahal (3 / 18) and Xavier Bartlett (2 / 15) methodically dismantled and took down KKR. Vaibhav Arora took 2/21 with bowling that mattered too; still, it all fell down quickly.  Chahal was player of the match for his impactful spell, leading to an important historic win for PBKS.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Rajasthan Royals lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2025 Match 42

IPL 2021, Match 45 (October 1, 2021) – Dubai

• KKR Score: 165/7 (20 overs)
  
• PBKS Score: 168/5 (19.3 overs)
  
• Result: PBKS won by 5 wickets
  

KKR totalled 165/7, with Venkatesh Iyer scoring 67 from 49. PBKS chased 168, led by KL Rahul's 67 off 55 and Shahrukh Khan's 22* from 9. Arshdeep Singh's 3/32 held KKR in check. Rahul was the Player of the Match for his steady innings as PBKS came away with an important win in the playoff picture.

IPL 2023, Match 53 (May 8, 2023)—Kolkata

• PBKS Score: 179/7 (20 overs)
• KKR Score: 182/5 (20 overs)
• Result: KKR won by 5 wickets

PBKS's score was 179/7 in 20 overs, with Shikhar Dhawan at 57 runs, with a late innings cameo by Shahrukh Khan of 21 runs off 11 balls. KKR chased down the score of 182 in a thrilling encounter, with Nitish Rana scoring a valiant 51 runs off 38 balls and Andre Russell smashing 42 runs off 23 balls for the win at Eden Gardens. Varun Chakravarthy had an outstanding performance, taking 3 wickets for just 26 runs in his 4 overs in containing the PBKS batting lineup.  And the Player of the Match was Andre Russell for his blistering innings in chasing the target and getting the win at a critical time in the stadium.

The IPL 2025 is in full swing, and in Match 44, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will play the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 26, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST, as KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane takes on PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer in an important match for both teams to gain valuable points.

Eden Gardens Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 96
• Batting 1st Won: 40
• Batting 2nd Won: 56
• Highest Total: 262/2 by Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024
• Lowest Total: 49 all out by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017
• Highest Run-chase: 262/2 in 18.4 overs by Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 131 All Out by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017
• Average 1st Innings Score: 166
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 153

Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR vs PBKS Match 44 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather & Pitch Report

The weather conditions in Kolkata on April 26, 2025, will be warm and humid, with temperatures reaching from 32 to 38 degrees Celsius (90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and higher humidity at 65-75 during the evening. Expect to see a batting-friendly pitch; when combined with a fast outfield and shorter boundaries, this generally makes for flourishing, higher-scoring environments. However, the pitch will likely slow down later into the match, and with that, offer some turn for spinners. Dew will have an impact during the second innings and may play a role in benefiting the team batting second.

KKR vs PBKS: Match Preview

Kolkata Knight Riders, led by Ajinkya Rahane, hope to use their strong home record at Eden Gardens in this match. KKR boasts a great batting line-up that includes Quinton de Kock, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell. With the inclusion of Angkrish Raghuvanshi, KKR has a real blend of experience and youth. Furthermore, KKR also has one of the strongest spin attacks in the tournament with Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. Remember that this is also a pitch that can help slow bowlers. In terms of pace, KKR's depth is provided by Harshit Rana and Anrich Nortje. Although KKR has not performed consistently this season and has only three wins in six matches, they need the win to build momentum moving on to the second half of the tournament. 

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 42: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals Full Match Highlights

Punjab Kings (PBKS), under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, travel full of confidence after last week's historic victory against KKR in Match 31, when PBKS were able to defend the lowest total in IPL history for PBKS (111) at Mullanpur, winning by 16 runs.   PBKS have a powerful batting unit with Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Glenn Maxwell all showing that they can take the game away from you.   Their bowling was led by Yuzvendra Chahal (the leading wicket taker in the IPL for this season so far) and Arshdeep Singh, and the bowling unit includes Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett.   The only factor that could hinder PBKS today is the absence of Lockie Ferguson due to injury. PBKS’s recent form (three wins in five matches) and their ability to pull off a record chase of 262 against KKR at Eden Gardens in 2024 make them a dangerous side, despite their inconsistent home record.