The IPL 2025 is heating up as we approach Match 44, featuring the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 26. Both teams are vying for crucial points to bolster their playoff aspirations. Fantasy cricket users can check this blog for KKR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction, expert advice, and smart tips to create a winning fantasy team.
Match Preview
This is a crucial match for both teams, as they fight to stay in the race for the playoffs. KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, have struggled this season with only three wins in eight matches. They are placed in the lower half of the table. Their recent game against PBKS in Mullanpur was disappointing—they were all out for just 95 while chasing 112, showing clear weaknesses in their batting.
Still, the return of coach Abhishek Nayar and the home advantage at Eden Gardens, where KKR have often performed well against PBKS, might help them bounce back. The spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy will be key on a pitch that supports spin bowling, while big-hitters like Quinton de Kock and Andre Russell will look to make the most of the batting-friendly conditions.
Punjab Kings, led by the energetic Shreyas Iyer, are also in a tough spot with three wins in eight games. They sit just above KKR in the points table. In their last match, a 16-run win over KKR in Mullanpur, their bowling stood out—Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 4 wickets for 28 runs, and Arshdeep Singh used the short ball effectively. PBKS’s batting has looked strong at times, especially with Iyer’s brilliant form this season, striking at 208.33, along with good efforts by Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh.
But they have not been consistent while playing away. They will take confidence from their record chase of 262 at Eden Gardens in IPL 2024, but facing KKR’s strong spin attack in a must-win situation adds extra pressure.
KKR vs PBKS Head to Head Record
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 34 |
| KKR Wins | 21 |
| PBKS Wins | 13 |
| No Result/Tied | 0 |
KKR vs PBKS Weather Report
According to AccuWeather and the India Meteorological Department, the temperature will range between 28-32°C with partly cloudy skies and a low 1-10% chance of rain. Humidity levels are likely to be high, around 80-86%, which could result in dew becoming a significant factor in the second half of the match, potentially aiding the team batting second. No major interruptions are anticipated, ensuring a complete 40-over contest.
KKR vs PBKS Pitch Report
Match Details:
- Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Batting-friendly, well-balanced surface with short boundaries and a flat track. |
| Pace and Bounce | Offers true bounce and good carry, favoring fast bowlers in the powerplay. Pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana can exploit early swing. |
| Spin Factor | Moderate turn in the middle overs, benefiting wrist-spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and Yuzvendra Chahal. Pitch slows down slightly later. |
| Dew Influence | Significant dew expected in the evening, making it easier for the chasing team. Bowlers may struggle to grip the ball in the second innings. |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 200–210 (based on IPL 2024 and early IPL 2025 matches at Eden Gardens). High-scoring games are common. |
| Preferred Strategy | Batting first is advantageous. Setting a 200+ target can pressure the chasing side, especially with dew affecting bowling later. |
KKR vs PBKS Playing 11 Predictions
Kolkata Knight Ride Playing11:
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Ajinkya Rahane (C)
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Moeen Ali
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
Punjab Kings Playing11:
- Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
- Priyansh Arya
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Josh Inglis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Marco Jansen
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Xavier Bartlett
Injury and Availability News
As of now, there are no significant injury concerns for either team. Both PBKS and KKR are expected to field their strongest possible XI, with all key players available for selection.
KKR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction
Wicketkeepers:
- Quinton de Kock (KKR): De Kock is a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman who thrives at Eden Gardens. His recent scores (23, 15, 1, 1, 97*) show his potential for a big knock, and his record against PBKS’s bowlers makes him a safe pick.
Batsmen:
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): PBKS’s captain is in top form, scoring 257 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 195.31, including three fifties. His consistency makes him an ideal captaincy choice.
- Ajinkya Rahane (KKR): KKR’s captain has scored 204 runs in six matches, with two fifties. His experience and ability to anchor the innings are valuable on a batting-friendly pitch.
- Priyansh Arya (PBKS): Arya’s aggressive batting (194 runs, strike rate 210.87) in the powerplay makes him a must-pick, especially on a high-scoring ground like Eden Gardens.
- Rinku Singh (KKR): Rinku’s finishing skills and ability to score quickly in the death overs (strike rate ~150) make him a dependable middle-order batsman.
All-rounders:
- Sunil Narine (KKR): Narine’s dual contributions (250+ runs, 8 wickets) and familiarity with Eden Gardens make him a top vice-captain pick. His strike rate of 176.54 ensures big fantasy points.
- Andre Russell (KKR): Russell’s explosive batting (strike rate above 170) and wicket-taking ability in the death overs (e.g., 64 off 25 earlier at Eden) make him a game-changer.
- Glenn Maxwell (PBKS): Maxwell’s all-round skills (quick runs and handy off-spin) are ideal for the Eden Gardens pitch, where spinners may get some turn.
Bowlers:
- Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): PBKS’s leading wicket-taker (economy 9.12) is lethal in the powerplay and death overs, capable of dismissing KKR’s top order.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): Chahal’s wrist-spin (10 wickets in IPL 2025) is effective at Eden Gardens, where spinners often get turn. He’s likely to trouble KKR’s middle order.
- Varun Chakravarthy (KKR): Varun’s mystery spin (recent figures: 2/22, 0/31, 3/22) makes him a wicket-taker in the middle overs, especially at home.
Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Vice-Captain: Sunil Narine
Match Prediction – Who Will Win KKR vs PBKS?
PBKS’s recent win over KKR gives them confidence, but their batting has been inconsistent away from home. The pitch favors high-scoring games, which suits KKR’s aggressive batting lineup, including Narine, de Kock, and Russell.
Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to win by a narrow margin, provided their bowlers step up to contain PBKS’s in-form batsmen.
Note: Fantasy cricket involves an element of luck, and player performances can vary. It’s advisable to stay updated with the latest team news and player form before finalizing your team.
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I love Cricket and Kabaddi and know a lot about them. I like talking about matches and players, helping people understand these sports better. Additionally, I enjoy providing predictions for upcoming games to add an extra layer of excitement for fans.
