Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Prediction – 31st T20 IPL, Dream11 Prediction, Betting Tips, Playing XI, Pitch & Weather Report

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Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders prediction: IPL 2025’s 31st T20 match sees two mid-table giants locking horns in what promises to be a blockbuster Tuesday night. Scheduled for April 15 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, the PBKS vs KKR match will not only influence the points table but could also define the momentum of the season for either side. Both teams come into the game with contrasting recent results, and with injuries affecting their balance, this becomes a high-stakes encounter. Cricketwebs brings you 100% accurate match prediction tips for every IPL game.

Match Details

Match	Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – 31st Match, IPL 2025
Date	Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Time	7:30 PM IST
Venue	Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
Broadcast	Star Sports Network, JioHotstar

Team Previews

Punjab Kings Preview

Punjab Kings have once again found themselves in the middle of the points table—a familiar position that reflects both potential and unfulfilled promise. With three wins and two losses in their first five games, PBKS have shown explosive capabilities with the bat but remain burdened by inconsistent bowling performances and a few underwhelming individual displays.

Current Form and Momentum

PBKS come into this game after a high-scoring loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, where despite putting up 245 runs on the board, their bowling attack was unable to hold fort. Their campaign so far has been characterized by flashes of brilliance, especially from their top order, but there are some serious concerns in their bowling department and middle-order batting.

Batting Firepower

The top order has been a major positive. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have formed a promising partnership, often getting the team off to brisk starts. Prabhsimran in particular has looked fluent, playing attractive cricket and anchoring the powerplay phases effectively.

Captain Shreyas Iyer has been the standout performer for PBKS. His explosive 82 off 36 against SRH demonstrated his capability to dominate bowling attacks and control the innings. With 250 runs in five games at a strike rate over 200, Iyer has emerged as the backbone of this lineup.

The middle order, however, has been less convincing. Nehal Wadhera has failed to convert starts, and Glenn Maxwell, once seen as a key overseas signing, is going through a rough patch. Maxwell’s inability to contribute with either bat or ball is putting pressure on the lower order.

The finishing duties have been somewhat salvaged by Marcus Stoinis, who brought his power game to the fore against Hyderabad with a quickfire 34*. Shashank Singh has also been a silent performer, often adding valuable runs at the death.

Bowling Concerns

The bowling department is where Punjab are facing their biggest issues. In their latest loss to SRH, they conceded 246 runs—highlighting the lack of execution in high-pressure moments.

Arshdeep Singh remains the leader of the pack with 7 wickets in 5 matches and a decent economy given the surfaces this season. However, he’s lacked consistent support.

Lockie Ferguson’s injury has come as a massive blow. The Kiwi pacer pulled up early in the game against SRH and has been ruled out for the season. With his pace and experience gone, PBKS are forced to rely on relatively untested options like Yash Thakur or Vijaykumar Vyshak.

Marco Jansen hasn’t made much impact either—often erratic in his lengths and unable to build pressure. The spin department is led by Yuzvendra Chahal, who has picked up a few wickets but has also leaked runs at crucial junctures. There’s a visible lack of balance in the bowling unit, and it’s a concern heading into tougher fixtures.

Tactics and Outlook

Punjab must focus on reinforcing their bowling plans, especially their death-overs strategy. With Shreyas Iyer firing and the openers doing well, they have a strong base to post or chase big scores. But without dependable bowling, they risk falling behind in key games. If they can find a dependable overseas replacement for Ferguson and get some runs from Maxwell, this team has the arsenal to make the playoffs.

Kolkata Knight Riders Preview

Kolkata Knight Riders have been one of the most watchable teams this IPL season. At times dominant, at other times vulnerable, KKR’s campaign has been anything but dull. With three wins and three losses in six games, they find themselves hovering around the fourth spot—still well within striking distance of a top-two finish.

Batting Strategy and Key Players

KKR’s batting lineup is loaded with potential, though inconsistencies have held them back. Quinton de Kock, their explosive opener, hasn’t quite found his rhythm. Thankfully, Sunil Narine has taken charge at the top, going ballistic with the bat, including a 44 off just 18 balls against CSK.

At number three, Ajinkya Rahane has been a revelation. Often labeled as a Test specialist, Rahane has scored 204 runs in six matches with a strike rate of 154+, and has shown adaptability by anchoring or accelerating based on the situation.

A major positive in the recent win over CSK was the promotion of Rinku Singh to No. 4. Rinku is far more effective when given enough balls to play himself in, and KKR would do well to continue using him higher up.

Andre Russell, however, remains a problem area. Once the most destructive all-rounder in the IPL, he hasn’t clicked with the bat and is yet to deliver a match-winning performance. His bowling, on the other hand, has been handy with slower balls and yorkers—especially useful in the latter stages of the innings.

Ramandeep Singh and Venkatesh Iyer haven’t contributed much and could face the axe if the trend continues.

Bowling Setup – A Strength

Unlike PBKS, Kolkata have found a stable bowling core. The pace duo of Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have done well in the powerplay, taking early wickets and bowling with good control.

The biggest strength, though, lies in their spin department. Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy have formed a lethal pair, choking runs in the middle overs and consistently picking up wickets. The duo combined for five wickets and conceded under 40 runs in 8 overs against Chennai.

Moeen Ali, who featured in the last game, added balance with both bat and ball, though KKR might consider playing Spencer Johnson if the surface favors pace. This flexibility is key, especially on batting-friendly grounds like Mullanpur.

Injuries and Bench Strength

KKR have kept their squad rotation minimal, but Anrich Nortje is yet to feature this season and his fitness remains uncertain. Moeen’s inclusion added a useful spin option, but may have been a horses-for-courses selection. With Russell underperforming, the pressure is on to find a better balance between firepower and consistency.

Their domestic bench includes options like Nitish Rana, Manish Pandey, and Kulwant Khejroliya, providing depth if form or fitness becomes an issue.

Tactical Flexibility and Team Dynamics

KKR’s success lies in their ability to adapt. Shreyas Iyer (now PBKS skipper) may know a few inside secrets, but this is a different KKR setup—more fluid in tactics and aggressive in mindset. Sending Narine up the order, trusting Rinku early, and giving Chakaravarthy longer spells are signs of a team not afraid to evolve.

Bowling first seems to work well for KKR, and they will be keen to stick to that template. On good batting pitches, expect the spinners to play a holding role while pace at the death will be vital.

Also Check For More: IPL 2025: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets

Team News Update:

Punjab Kings have suffered a major blow with Lockie Ferguson unlikely to return this season after a hamstring injury, as confirmed by bowling coach James Hopes. He left the field mid-spell against SRH and is ruled out indefinitely. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders are monitoring Anrich Nortje’s fitness, with his availability still uncertain. Moeen Ali, who played against Chennai, might be replaced by Spencer Johnson if KKR decide to strengthen their pace attack. Both teams are likely to make strategic adjustments in their upcoming fixtures due to these unavailability concerns.

Betting Tips For PBKS vs KKR – IPL 2025

There is every reason to believe that both Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are better than what their current positions on the points table suggest. As the IPL 2025 season nears its halfway mark, both sides are aiming to climb into the upper half of the table, and a win in this clash at Mullanpur could be pivotal. From a betting perspective, this game offers multiple exciting angles, particularly given the teams’ strengths, recent forms, and venue dynamics.

Punjab Kings, despite coming off a heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, have showcased explosive batting prowess. Scoring 245 runs in their previous match, they proved how dangerous their top and middle order can be, especially on batting-friendly tracks. Shreyas Iyer is in dream form, striking at over 200 this season, while Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have given solid starts. Marcus Stoinis’ finishing and Shashank Singh’s lower-order cameos also add depth. Given the flat pitch in Mullanpur, backing Punjab to post or chase a score in excess of 180 looks like a sound bet.

However, Punjab’s bowling is a serious concern, especially with Lockie Ferguson ruled out for the rest of the season. Marco Jansen has leaked runs, and while Arshdeep Singh has tried to hold his end, they’ve lacked penetration as a unit. Bettors should keep an eye on the ‘Most Sixes’ market, as a boundary fest is likely. Punjab’s power hitters are capable of clearing the ropes with ease, especially if KKR’s spinners don’t find grip on this surface.

Kolkata Knight Riders enter this match with momentum after a comprehensive win over Chennai Super Kings. Their bowlers were outstanding, conceding just 103 runs in 20 overs, with Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy stifling the scoring. Narine in particular has been impressive both with the ball and the bat. His quickfire 44 in the last game gives bettors confidence in him for markets like ‘Top KKR Batter’ or ‘Player Performance Points’. Rinku Singh’s promotion to No. 4 could also be a turning point in KKR’s batting plans, giving value in middle-order scoring markets.

That said, inconsistency has plagued their top order. Quinton de Kock is yet to string together big scores, and Venkatesh Iyer’s form remains patchy. If Punjab’s bowlers can pick early wickets, Kolkata may find themselves under pressure, particularly if Russell fails to fire again. This makes betting on Punjab for ‘First Innings Wickets’ or ‘Most Powerplay Wickets’ a potentially rewarding option.

Given that the Mullanpur surface has seen high scores, betting on the ‘Total Match Runs Over’ market could be fruitful. The weather is expected to be clear, and with a quick outfield, high scoring is a reasonable expectation. In terms of head-to-head, KKR have dominated with 21 wins from 33 games, but Punjab’s home advantage and recent batting form tilt this contest in their favor.

Considering current form, home advantage, and the injury blows to both camps, Punjab Kings hold a strong edge. For those placing bets, Punjab Kings to win, total sixes over 15, and Shreyas Iyer as top scorer are picks worth exploring.

Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction For Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Position	Player
WK	Prabhsimran Singh
Batsmen	Shreyas Iyer (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh
All-rounders	Marcus Stoinis (VC), Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers	Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Yuzvendra Chahal

Fantasy Analysis:

• Captain Pick: Shreyas Iyer – red-hot form, playing anchor and aggressor.
• Vice-Captain Pick: Marcus Stoinis – explosive finisher and handy with the ball.
• Players to Avoid: Nehal Wadhera (form issues), Ramandeep Singh (limited impact).

Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts

Favourite Team in Today Match (PBKS vs KKR)

Punjab Kings are favourites to win due to their explosive top order, strong form of Shreyas Iyer, and a home-ground advantage on a high-scoring Mullanpur pitch. With KKR’s patchy middle-order and Punjab’s familiarity with the surface, they have the upper hand.

Punjab Kings T20 History

Punjab Kings have been one of the IPL’s most unpredictable teams. While they have consistently produced match-winners, the lack of team consistency has kept them from reaching finals often.

Matches Played	Wins	Losses	No Result	Tie
251	116	135	0	0

Kolkata Knight Riders T20 History

KKR are two-time IPL champions, known for strong leadership and spin dominance. Though not as dominant in recent years, their youth and experienced core still make them dangerous on any given day.

Matches Played	Wins	Losses	No Result	Tie
273	140	126	7	0

Head-to-Head Stats

In 33 head-to-head encounters, KKR dominate with 21 wins, while PBKS have only managed 12. However, Punjab has won two of the last four games, showing recent improvement.

Matches Played	PBKS Wins	KKR Wins	No Result
33	12	21	0

Also Check: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Head to Head in IPL – Records, Team & Players Stats

PBKS vs KKR Squad

Punjab Kings Squad: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Suryansh Shedge, Praveen Dubey, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harpreet Brar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash.

Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Anukul Roy, Luvnith Sisodia, Rovman Powell, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Markande, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Chetan Sakariya, Spencer Johnson

Probable Playing XI

Punjab Kings:
Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur

Kolkata Knight Riders:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy

Pitch Report (Mullanpur Stadium)

The Mullanpur pitch has proven to be a paradise for batters. With short square boundaries and a true bounce, high scores are expected. Spinners might find grip in the second half, but pace bowlers will need variations.

Ground Records and Statistics – Statistical Overview – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium

City	Mullanpur
Country	India
Matches Played	7
Matches Won Batting First	4 (57.14%)
Matches Won Batting Second	3 (42.86%)
Matches Won Winning Toss	3 (42.86%)
Matches Won Losing Toss	4 (57.14%)
Highest Individual Innings	103	P Arya (Punjab Kings)	08/04/2025 v Chennai Super Kings
Best Bowling	4/29	Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings)	09/04/2024 v Sunrisers Hyderabad
Highest Team Innings	219/6 (Punjab Kings)		08/04/2025 v Chennai Super Kings
Lowest Team Innings	142 (Punjab Kings)		21/04/2024 v Gujarat Titans
Average Runs per Wicket	23.83
Average Runs per Over	8.85
Average Score Batting First	180.14

Weather Report

Clear skies are expected in Chandigarh. The temperature will hover around 29°C at match time with low humidity. Dew might come into play in the second innings.

Broadcast Details

• TV: Star Sports Network
• Streaming: JioHotstar (India)

Score Prediction

• If PBKS Bat First: 178–188
• If KKR Bat First: 154–164

Toss Prediction

Toss Winner: Kolkata Knight Riders
Decision: Opt to field first due to dew factor

Also Check For More: Indian Premier League Prediction

Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.

FAQ – PBKS vs KKR 31st IPL T20

Match Summary

The 31st T20 of IPL 2025 between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders is poised to be a high-octane battle at Mullanpur. Both teams are eyeing a crucial win to solidify their playoff aspirations. Punjab will bank on in-form Shreyas Iyer and the explosive starts by Prabhsimran Singh. With the absence of Ferguson, their bowling looks slightly thin, but their batting depth gives them confidence. KKR, led by Rahane and powered by Sunil Narine’s all-round brilliance, will look to spoil Punjab’s home advantage. The head-to-head record favors KKR, but with the pitch aiding batters and PBKS’s top order firing, the hosts hold the edge. Expect a run-fest, key individual battles, and a potential thriller under lights. Punjab Kings are well-placed to take the win and climb the points table.

Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.

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