In an exciting IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens, Prabhsimran Singh again showed why he is one of the most thrilling young stars of Indian cricket. The highlight moment was when Prabhsimran pulled off a remarkable switch-hit six off the experienced spinner Sunil Narine, which left the crowd, commentators, and even the opposition in awe.

Facing one of the most experienced bowlers in T20 cricket, Sunil Narine, Prabhsimran Singh displayed nerves of steel. In the middle overs, with PBKS seeking to boost the pace, Prabhsimran executed a daring switch-hit, precisely timing Narine's delivery over the off-side boundary for a six. The stroke was a masterclass in innovation and fearlessness, emphasizing the changing face of modern T20 batting. The act soon went viral on social media, with the fans hailing Prabhsimran's technique and confidence. Clips of the switch-hit have been doing the rounds on the internet, with experts labeling it as one of the shots of the season.

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Prabhsimran wasn't finished with one highlight. He continued to play a breathtaking knock, scoring 83 runs off just 49 balls, sprinkling his innings with six boundaries and six huge sixes. His attacking game at the top of the order provided PBKS with the ideal platform, as they reached a strong total of 201/4 in their 20 overs. With young sensation Priyansh Arya, who scored a smooth 69 alongside him, Prabhsimran made sure Punjab Kings ruled the first innings. Their 120-run opening partnership was the deciding factor behind creating what could have been a record-breaking game.

WATCH: Prabhsimran Singh's Breathtaking Switch-Hit Against Sunil Narine

THE PRABHSIMRAN SINGH SWITCH HIT FOR SIX vs NARINE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4UWCzp03YO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 26, 2025

Rain Plays Spoilsport

Punjab Kings put up a commanding total of 201/4 in 20 overs, thanks to explosive knocks from Priyansh Arya (69 off 35) and Prabhsimran (83 off 49). Shreyas Iyer added a steady 25*, while Josh Inglis chipped in with a quick 11*. Vaibhav Arora stood out for the Kolkata Knight Riders with 3 wickets. Despite a strong batting display, the game was interrupted by rain before KKR could properly begin their chase.

Kolkata Knight Riders managed only 7/0 in one over before rain forced the match to be abandoned. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine opened the innings but had no real chance to build momentum. Marco Jansen bowled the only over for Punjab. With no further play possible, the match was declared a no result, and both teams had to settle for sharing one point each.

During the current IPL 2025 season, today's clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has attracted maximum attention. However, two star players - Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett - are missing from the PBKS playing XI, leaving many fans curious.

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Why Marcus Stoinis Is Not Playing for PBKS Against KKR

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been a key player for PBKS this season. His hard-hitting in the middle order and his capability of bowling cameo overs make him a key asset. Yet, in today's match between PBKS and KKR, the team management thought to include Glenn Maxwell in the playing XI in place of him.

The primary reason for Stoinis' absence is team strategy and overseas player restrictions. Only four overseas players can be in the playing XI according to IPL rules, and PBKS have chosen Maxwell, who provides big-hitting talent along with spin-bowling a strategic decision given KKR's batting prowess.

There is no injury issue for Marcus Stoinis; he has merely been rotated out to suit the team's match strategy for today's vital match.

Why Xavier Bartlett Is Not Taking the Field Today

Xavier Bartlett, the Australian pace sensation who impressed on his IPL debut, also missed out today. While no statement has officially hinted at a trouble or injury, it seems like his absence yet again is owing to overseas player restrictions and strategy changes.

PBKS has managed their overseas players very carefully this season, there was just no space left for Bartlett today. The management must have gone for an experienced set to tackle KKR's dynamic batting lineup.

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Punjab Kings' Strategy for Today's Match

The Punjab Kings management made these changes to optimize their strengths against a strong KKR lineup. Maxwell's addition is likely to strengthen the middle order and add more bowling options, something that might be significant on the Eden Gardens track.

Fans need not worry that Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett are no longer integral parts of the PBKS team and will be back in future games based on situations and opposition.

In the 31st match of the IPL 2025, Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (PBKS vs KKR) has been scheduled for Tuesday evening (April 15) at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium (Mullanpur). 

Punjab Kings are in sixth place with six points after five matches, recording three wins and two losses. Meanwhile, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are in fifth position with six points after playing six games, managing three wins and three losses. After securing victories in their first two games of the season, PBKS claimed only one win out of their last three fixtures. Meanwhile, KKR have recorded the results of lost, won, lost, won, lost, and won, respectively. 

In their three away games of this season, the three-time IPL champions KKR recorded two wins and one loss. On the other hand, the IPL 2014 runners-up have recorded one win and one loss in Mullanpur this season.  

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IPL 2025, Match 31: PBKS vs KKR - Playing XIs Status - Big changes waiting

Lockie Ferguson is out of the tournament, and it is a sure change for Punjab Kings. Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is a strong replacement name in the squad.  

As Mullanpur isn't a strong spin-bowling friendly wicket, KKR may need to drop Moeen Ali. While Spencer Johnson has disappointed this season, Anrich Nortje's fitness will take centre stage for Tuesday evening. As KKR already have three strong pace bowling names, including Andre Russell, Manish Pandey or Rovman Powell can be other alternative replacement option for the franchise.  

IPL 2025, Match 31: PBKS vs KKR Probable Playing XI

The clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Eden Gardens on Friday, April 26, saw a significant change in KKR’s lineup. Mitchell Starc, the Australian pacer, was notably absent from the playing eleven due to a finger injury.

Mitchell Starc’s Absence and Replacement

Mitchell Starc’s absence from the match was attributed to a finger injury sustained during KKR’s previous encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 21. Sri Lanka pacer Dushmantha Chameera named Starc’s replacement in the playing XI.

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Skipper Shreyas Iyer’s Statement

KKR captain Shreyas Iyer provided insight into Starc’s injury and Chameera’s inclusion in the lineup. He mentioned that Starc had suffered a cut on his finger in the last game, necessitating Chameera’s presence. Iyer emphasized the team’s focus on achieving a solid start and converting it into a substantial score, expressing optimism about maintaining their form and momentum.

“Starcy got a cut on his finger in the last game, Dushmantha Chameera replaces him. Need a great start and then convert it into a big score, hoping to continue the same form and momentum,” Shreyas Iyer said after being asked to bat first by Punjab Kings.

Mitchell Starc’s Performance in IPL 2024

In IPL 2024, Mitchell Starc’s performance has been below expectations. Despite being the costliest buy in IPL history at Rs 24.75 crore, he has struggled to make a significant impact. With just six wickets in seven matches at an average of 47.83 and an economy rate of 11.48, Starc still needs to deliver consistently.

KKR’s Position in the IPL 2024 Points Table

Despite Starc’s challenges, KKR has maintained a strong position in the IPL 2024 points table. With five wins in seven matches, they are currently placed second, trailing only behind Chennai Super Kings (CSK). A victory against PBKS would consolidate their position and put them ahead of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).