Just eleven days after one of the most bizarre contests in IPL history, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to reignite their rivalry in what promises to be another high-voltage encounter at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Scheduled for April 26 at 7:30 PM IST, this clash carries immense weight for both teams — one seeking redemption, the other looking to re-establish momentum.
Their last two encounters have produced IPL folklore — PBKS chased down a jaw-dropping 262 earlier this season and then successfully defended a mere 111 in a slow-burn thriller. These results have not only flipped the record books but also left KKR fans reeling. Saturday’s game, therefore, isn’t just about points — it’s personal.
KKR’s Chance at Redemption
The defending champions have had a turbulent campaign so far. Inconsistent performances and an unsettled batting line-up have left them hanging below six other teams in the playoff race. A win against a confident Punjab Kings outfit, which has already beaten them twice this season, could reignite their flailing campaign.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was introduced at the top in the previous match and while he didn’t make a mark, he’s likely to retain his place. Venkatesh Iyer, under pressure to deliver, becomes a key middle-order anchor given his record against PBKS leggie Yuzvendra Chahal.
Andre Russell, the evergreen match-winner, holds a key tactical edge. He has amassed 99 runs from just 50 deliveries against Chahal and might be used as a designated aggressor against Punjab’s spin.
KKR Probable XII:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali/Rovman Powell, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora
Punjab’s Silent Surge
While PBKS come into this clash after a defeat to RCB, they’ve been one of the more balanced teams this season — with both batting and bowling clicking in patches. Their two wins over KKR this season have put them in a strong position, but the road to the playoffs demands consistency.
What stands out for Punjab is the strong Indian core, with impactful performances from Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, and Nehal Wadhera. However, their overseas brigade — especially Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis — needs to step up to elevate their title ambitions.
If Eden dishes out a spin-friendly wicket, Shreyas Iyer will become the trump card. The PBKS skipper has a staggering strike rate of 196 against spin in IPL 2025 and is yet to be dismissed by a spinner this season.
PBKS Probable XII:
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/Vyshak Vijaykumar
Key Stats & Match-ups:
PBKS Have the Edge: Punjab Kings have emerged victorious in their last two encounters with KKR — one setting the record for the highest successful chase (262) and the other for the lowest total defended (111).
Eden Advantage: KKR have won 9 of their 13 matches against PBKS at Eden Gardens — the second-best record by a team over another at a specific venue in IPL history.
Opening Woes for Kolkata: KKR are the only side in IPL 2025 without a 50+ opening partnership — a concern they must urgently address.
Conditions & Strategy
The temperature in Kolkata will be on the higher side, and the nature of the pitch remains a mystery. The Eden surface has recently come under scrutiny, especially after Yuzvendra Chahal spun a web in the last match here. KKR may want to avoid playing on a sluggish surface, which seems to suit PBKS’ spin-centric attack more.
PBKS vs KKR Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
PBKS vs KKR Live Telecast: Star Sports Network (Select channels with Hindi, English, regional language options)
PBKS vs KKR Live Streaming: JioCinema (free in India across all languages and devices)
For KKR, it’s about stopping the rot and staying alive in the playoff race. For PBKS, it’s a chance to tighten their grip on a top-four spot and reaffirm their authority over a side they’ve repeatedly bested this season. Expect fireworks, high emotions, and possibly, another IPL classic. With history, pride, and playoff hopes on the line, Eden Gardens is set for another unforgettable night. Whether KKR can finally break PBKS’ stranglehold or if Punjab once again pulls off the improbable — all will be revealed under the Saturday night lights.
