In the high-voltage clash of the Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders prediction, fans can expect fireworks once again as PBKS and KKR lock horns in match number 44 of the Indian Premier League 2025. With both teams heading into this contest with contrasting fortunes, the stakes are incredibly high at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The PBKS vs KKR battle has produced some of the most thrilling matches in IPL history, and Saturday’s game promises to add another chapter to that rivalry.
Let’s dive deep into the detailed Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders prediction to find out who might have the upper hand.
Match Details
| Match | KKR vs PBKS, 44th T20, IPL 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, April 26, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Live Broadcast | Star Sports Network & JioCinema |
Team Previews
Kolkata Knight Riders Preview (KKR)
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are in troubled waters. The defending champions have not looked the part this season, with only three wins from eight games. They’re seventh on the points table and have just lost back-to-back matches for the first time in IPL 2025.
Their last game against Gujarat Titans was particularly damaging—not just in terms of points, but in morale. A 39-run loss at home is a wake-up call. KKR now face PBKS, a team that has beaten them twice in a row in dramatic fashion, including one of the lowest IPL totals ever defended and the highest-ever run chase.
Batting Struggles
KKR’s main issue this season has been their batting. Despite multiple combinations, they’ve failed to get consistent starts. Quinton de Kock’s exclusion and Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s inclusion last game didn’t change much—Gurbaz was out for 1.
Sunil Narine, pushed to open again, has shown flashes but hasn’t sustained form. He’s striking at just under 130 and isn’t providing the quick 30-40s that KKR count on to gain early momentum.
Ajinkya Rahane, surprisingly captaining the side, has been their best batter. His 50 off 36 balls against GT kept KKR in the game for a while, and his total of 268 runs makes him their leading run-scorer.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi is the bright spark. The young batter has scored 197 runs with a healthy average of nearly 39 and a strike rate of 149. He’s adapted well to the role but has been shuffled up and down the order, which may have hurt his rhythm.
The likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Andre Russell have underwhelmed. Iyer and Rinku are struggling on slower wickets, and Russell—though dangerous—is not finding the middle of the bat consistently.
Bowling – More Controlled, But Lacks Bite
KKR’s bowling has been better than their batting, but not by much. Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have led the pace attack, and their combined tally of 20 wickets is impressive. Rana in particular has been clever with his variations at the death.
In the spin department, Varun Chakaravarthy has been decent, but far from his mysterious best. Sunil Narine has kept the runs down, but only has a few wickets to show for it.
Moeen Ali, drafted in recently, adds depth, but hasn’t made much impact yet. With Eden known for assisting spin, Moeen and Varun could still be valuable.
Russell, with the ball, has bowled some handy overs. His cutters and slower balls can be effective on Eden’s tacky pitches.
Recent Performance Overview
In their previous match, KKR allowed GT to post 198/4. The bowlers struggled despite varied tactics. Arora, Rana, and Russell picked up one wicket each, but none of the spinners made an impact.
With the bat, Rahane was the only player to shine. Raghuvanshi chipped in with a 13-ball 27, while Russell, Narine, and Rinku Singh all failed to kick on. Their 159/8 was well short of the target, and the team looked lacking in confidence.
Key Concerns
- Match temperament – Unable to chase or defend scores under pressure.
- Batting inconsistency – Lack of rhythm among the top and middle order.
- Poor starts – Neither de Kock nor Gurbaz have made an impact.
- Bench underperformance – The backups have failed to capitalize on opportunities.
Punjab Kings Preview (PBKS)
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) enter their rematch with Kolkata Knight Riders with a mix of confidence and caution. With five wins from eight games, they’re firmly in the playoff conversation, sitting in the top half of the table. Their recent defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a reminder of the fine margins in T20 cricket, but overall, Punjab has shown grit and resolve throughout IPL 2025. The franchise has built a campaign around collective performance, especially from its Indian contingent.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Shikhar Dhawan’s injury has pushed Shreyas Iyer into a leadership role, and the seasoned batter has brought composure to the top and middle order. His ability to build innings and accelerate when needed has made him the pivot of PBKS’s batting plans. His captaincy has been steady—rotating bowlers smartly and giving young players the confidence to express themselves.
PBKS has chosen flexibility over big names. Their experimentation with overseas combinations continues, but there’s clear intent in team selection. With key matchups like KKR coming up, they’ll want clarity on their best XI quickly.
Top Order – Aggression with Caution
The PBKS opening duo—Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh—have displayed firepower, though not consistency. Arya, a relative newcomer, has shown signs of aggression, but he often falls inside the Powerplay, putting early pressure on the middle order. Prabhsimran, with a higher strike rate, has notched a few rapid 30s and 40s, but needs to convert starts more consistently.
Shreyas Iyer, at number three, has been the standout. With 263 runs in eight matches at an astonishing strike rate of 185.21, Iyer has been both the glue and the accelerator. His timing and placement against spin in the middle overs give PBKS stability when early wickets fall.
Middle Order – Needs to Fire in Unison
The middle order has had mixed returns. Nehal Wadhera, slotted in at number four or five depending on the matchups, has played quick cameos. With a strike rate above 140, he has stepped up when Iyer is dismissed early but is yet to deliver a match-winning knock.
Josh Inglis, brought in to add power and finishing capability, is still finding his feet in the Indian conditions. He was more fluent in the last outing against RCB with a 29-run knock. Yet, if he continues to underwhelm, a swap for Glenn Maxwell, who brings an off-spin option too, might be a sensible call.
Marcus Stoinis, a game-changer on his day, has had a quiet IPL so far. He averages just 21 this season but with his ability to muscle bowlers in the death overs, he’s a key x-factor. Shashank Singh, meanwhile, is flying under the radar with impactful knocks that include a strike rate close to 160. His ability to clear boundaries in the last five overs adds great value to PBKS’s lower-middle order.
Bowling Department – Indian Core, Foreign Firepower
With the ball, Arshdeep Singh has led the charge. The left-arm seamer has been effective both in the Powerplay and at the death. With 11 wickets in eight games and an economy rate under 9, he’s been Punjab’s most reliable bowler.
Marco Jansen, the South African left-arm pacer, has had mixed returns. While he provides bounce and a left-arm angle, his economy rate (above 10) remains a concern. With few overseas options left unused, PBKS may persist with Jansen given his batting capabilities as well.
Yuzvendra Chahal, after a slow start to IPL 2025, has returned to form. The wrist spinner now has 9 wickets in 8 matches and has started hitting his lengths again. The Eden Gardens surface could suit him perfectly, especially against KKR’s struggling middle order. His experience could be crucial in the middle overs.
Harpreet Brar has been economical and picked up timely wickets. With KKR relying on multiple left-handers, Brar’s role becomes more crucial. PBKS has often used him as a matchup bowler, and it’s likely they’ll hold him back for Andre Russell or Rinku Singh.
Support bowlers like Xavier Bartlett and Stoinis have been less impressive. If the wicket at Eden offers some grip, Rahul Chahar or Glenn Maxwell might get a look-in to offer additional spin variety.
Key Challenges
The key concern for PBKS remains inconsistency at the top. If Arya and Prabhsimran fail together, the middle order is often under pressure. Also, their bench lacks the quality backups that some other teams have—especially in the overseas pace department.
Another worry is their death bowling. Outside of Arshdeep, no one has really nailed the death overs. If PBKS can solve this tactical issue, they could be genuine title contenders.
Also Check For More: IPL 2025: Points Table, Most Runs & Most Wickets
Betting Tips for PBKS vs KKR IPL 2025 Match
The Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (PBKS vs KKR) clash in IPL 2025 promises to be an exciting encounter, and for bettors looking to capitalize on this game, here are some strategic betting tips. Considering recent form, head-to-head records, and pitch conditions, PBKS appears to have a slight edge over KKR. However, T20 cricket is unpredictable, so smart betting requires analyzing key factors before placing wagers.
First, assess team strengths and weaknesses. PBKS have been more consistent this season, with Shreyas Iyer leading the batting charge, while KKR’s batting has been inconsistent apart from Ajinkya Rahane. Betting on PBKS as the match winner (odds around 1.75-1.85) could be a safer option. For higher odds, consider placing a bet on PBKS to win by a margin of 10-20 runs or 2-3 wickets, as KKR’s bowling attack can be restrictive in patches.
Player performance bets are another lucrative market. Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) and Ajinkya Rahane (KKR) are solid choices for top batsman bets, given their recent form. If you’re looking for high-risk, high-reward options, Andre Russell (KKR) and Marcus Stoinis (PBKS) could be game-changers if they fire. For bowlers, Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) and Harshit Rana (KKR) are good picks for top wicket-taker, especially in powerplay overs.
The Eden Gardens pitch tends to favor spinners as the game progresses, so betting on a higher number of wickets falling between overs 7-15 could be wise. Additionally, considering the venue’s history, a first-innings score of 170-180 is a reasonable par score, so betting on the match total to be over 160 could be a safe play.
Live betting opportunities should also be explored. If KKR loses early wickets in the powerplay, backing PBKS to win at improved odds could be profitable. Conversely, if PBKS starts strongly, betting on them to score over 50 in the first six overs might be a smart move.
Lastly, for prop bets, consider wagers like “Will there be a fifty in the match?” (likely yes) or “Total sixes in the match over 10.5” (Eden Gardens has shorter boundaries). Always check team news before finalizing bets, as last-minute changes can impact outcomes. With PBKS slightly favored, a balanced betting approach combining match-winner, top batsman, and live bets could maximize returns in this PBKS vs KKR encounter.
Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction For Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer (C) | PBKS |
| Andre Russell (VC) | KKR |
| Nehal Wadhera | PBKS |
| Rinku Singh | KKR |
| Josh Inglis | PBKS |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | KKR |
| Sunil Narine | KKR |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | PBKS |
| Harshit Rana | KKR |
| Harpreet Brar | PBKS |
Captain Picks:
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS)
- Andre Russell (KKR)
Players to Avoid:
- Ramandeep Singh (KKR) – out of form and ineffective
- Josh Inglis (PBKS) – not yet delivering expected returns
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today
Punjab Kings look like the favorites going into this match due to their better form and team balance. Their Indian core has performed consistently, and the Eden Gardens surface is likely to support their spin-heavy bowling attack. With Chahal hitting form and Iyer leading the charge with the bat, PBKS have a solid chance to outclass an unsettled KKR lineup still figuring out their best XI.
Punjab Kings T20 History
PBKS have shown steady improvement over the years and have become a strong mid-table team.
| Matches | Wins | Losses | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 251 | 116 | 135 | 0 | 0 |
Kolkata Knight Riders T20 History
KKR are two-time champions but have struggled with consistency post-2021.
| Matches | Wins | Losses | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 273 | 140 | 126 | 7 | 0 |
Head-to-Head Stats (PBKS vs KKR)
Historically, KKR have dominated the PBKS vs KKR encounters, but the tide seems to be shifting.
| Matches | PBKS Wins | KKR Wins | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 12 | 21 | 0 |
Also Check: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Head to Head in IPL – Records, Team & Players Stats
PBKS vs KKR Squads
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell, Luvnith Sisodia, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Chetan Sakariya, Mayank Markande
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Praveen Dubey, Glenn Maxwell, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Aaron Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kuldeep Sen, Harnoor Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash
Probable Playing XI
PBKS Playing XI:
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Priyansh Arya
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Marcus Stoinis
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Shashank Singh
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Marco Jansen
- Harpreet Brar
KKR Playing XI:
- Ajinkya Rahane (c)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Moeen Ali
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
- Varun Chakaravarthy
Pitch Report (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
- The Eden Gardens pitch is typically batting-friendly with good bounce and carry.
- Spinners get assistance in the second half as the pitch dries out.
- Average first innings score: 170+
- Dew factor can play a big role in night matches.
Ground Records and Statistics – Statistical Overview – Eden Gardens
| City | Kolkata | ||
| Country | India | ||
| Matches Played | 97 | ||
| Matches Won Batting First | 41 (42.27%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting Second | 56 (57.73%) | ||
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 50 (51.55%) | ||
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 47 (48.45%) | ||
| Highest Individual Innings | 112* | R M Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) | 25/05/2022 v Lucknow Super Giants |
| Best Bowling | 5/19 | S P Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) | 15/04/2012 v Punjab Kings |
| Highest Team Innings | 262/2 (Punjab Kings) | 26/04/2024 v Kolkata Knight Riders | |
| Lowest Team Innings | 49 (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) | 23/04/2017 v Kolkata Knight Riders | |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 262/2 (Punjab Kings) | 26/04/2024 v Kolkata Knight Riders | |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 27.92 | ||
| Average Runs per Over | 8.52 | ||
| Average Score Batting First | 164.38 | ||
Weather Report
- Temperature: 29°C
- Humidity: 72%
- Wind: 12 km/h
- Rain: No major threat of rain, clear skies expected.
Broadcast Details
- TV: Star Sports Network
- Streaming: JioHotstar App
Score Prediction
- If PBKS Bat First: 175+
- If KKR Bat First: 160+
Toss Prediction
- Win Toss & Bowl First (due to dew and chasing advantage)
Also Check For More: Indian Premier League Prediction
Match Prediction
- Winner: Punjab Kings will win
- They have recent dominance in head-to-head, more in-form players, and a spin attack suited to Eden’s surface.
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 44th IPL T20
Q1. Who will win PBKS vs KKR today?
Punjab Kings are likely to win based on current form and squad depth.
Q2. What is the pitch report for PBKS vs KKR match?
The Eden Gardens pitch favors batters early and spinners later in the game
Q3. What is the head-to-head record between PBKS and KKR?
KKR lead with 21 wins to PBKS’s 12 in 33 encounters.
Q4. Who is the best captain pick for today’s fantasy team?
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) is in terrific form and a reliable choice for captain.
Q5. Which players should be avoided in fantasy team?
Ramandeep Singh (KKR) and Josh Inglis (PBKS) should be avoided due to poor form.
Q6. Where can I watch the PBKS vs KKR match?
Catch the match live on Star Sports and streaming on JioHotstar.
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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