KKR VS PBKS Match 44 Preview : Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL 2025
1. Match Details
• Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, Match 44
• Date: Saturday, 26 April 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
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2. Pitch Report – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens traditionally offers a flat surface that supports stroke play, making it a batting-friendly venue. However, it also offers good assistance for spinners as the match progresses, especially in the second innings. Expect a high-scoring contest if KKR bats first. Pacers may find early swing under lights.
• Average 1st Innings Score: 175+
• Chasing Teams’ Advantage: Moderate (dew factor may play a role)
• Spinners’ Impact: High in middle overs
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3. Weather Report
• Temperature: Around 30°C
• Humidity: 60%
• Rain Possibility: 10% (unlikely to affect the match)
• Dew Factor: Expected in the second innings
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4. Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)
• Kolkata Knight Riders – 2 Wins
• Punjab Kings – 3 Wins
• Draws – 0
PBKS holds a slight edge in recent meetings. However, Eden Gardens gives KKR the home advantage.
5. Team Squads – IPL 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Captain: Ajinkya Rahane
Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Luvnith Sisodia
Batsmen: Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell
All-rounders: Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer
Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mayank Markande, Chetan Sakariya, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Wicketkeepers: Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod
Batsmen: Shreyas Iyer, Harnoor Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, Musheer Khan, Nehal Wadhera
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Kuldeep Sen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Praveen Dubey, Xavier Bartlett, Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Yash Thakur
6. Key Players to Watch
Kolkata Knight Riders
• Andre Russell – A match-winner with both bat and ball, Russell thrives at Eden Gardens.
• Sunil Narine – His spin in the powerplay can be crucial against an aggressive PBKS top order.
• Rinku Singh – Known for finishing games, Rinku remains a reliable middle-order performer.
Punjab Kings
• Shreyas Iyer – The skipper anchors the innings and is vital against KKR’s spin attack.
• Glenn Maxwell – Can turn the game with bat or ball, especially against left-handers.
• Arshdeep Singh – Death-over specialist with wicket-taking ability upfront.
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7. Probable Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders
1. Ajinkya Rahane (C)
2. Quinton de Kock (WK)
3. Venkatesh Iyer
4. Rinku Singh
5. Andre Russell
6. Moeen Ali
7. Sunil Narine
8. Anukul Roy
9. Anrich Nortje
10. Varun Chakaravarthy
11. Vaibhav Arora
Punjab Kings
1. Shreyas Iyer (C)
2. Josh Inglis (WK)
3. Glenn Maxwell
4. Marcus Stoinis
5. Shashank Singh
6. Nehal Wadhera
7. Aaron Hardie
8. Arshdeep Singh
9. Lockie Ferguson
10. Yuzvendra Chahal
11. Marco Jansen
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8. Dream11 Prediction
Fantasy Team Suggestion
Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Josh Inglis
Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh
All-rounders: Andre Russell (C), Glenn Maxwell (VC), Marcus Stoinis
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Lockie Ferguson
Captain Choices:
• Primary: Andre Russell
• Alternate: Glenn Maxwell
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9. Final Prediction
The Kolkata Knight Riders enjoy the comfort of Eden Gardens and boast a dynamic lineup with powerful all-rounders like Russell and Narine. However, Punjab Kings look solid too, with a versatile middle order and a pace-heavy bowling attack led by Arshdeep and Ferguson.
Prediction:
Kolkata Knight Riders have a better home advantage and stronger spin department. Expect them to edge this one in a close contest unless PBKS’ top order fires explosively.
Winner Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders (55% chance)
