Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date & Time: Saturday, April 26 | 7:30 PM
Match Overview
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 44 of the 2025 IPL at the iconic Eden Gardens. It’s a fixture loaded with history—and recent dominance by Punjab. The Kings have claimed victory in three of their last five meetings with KKR, including a record run-chase at this very ground last season.
KKR are languishing in 7th place with just three wins in eight outings. The reigning champions have struggled for consistency, especially with the bat. Meanwhile, PBKS sit fifth on the table with a healthier five wins and will be confident after already downing KKR earlier this season.
Form Guide
KKR: L, L, W, L, W
PBKS: L, W, W, L, W
Pitch & Conditions
Eden Gardens is known for producing run-fests, but the surface has been slower this season, giving spinners and cutters more assistance. A first-innings score of around 190 could prove tough to chase. With high humidity and no rain forecast, a full 40-over contest is expected.
Average First-Innings Score at Eden in IPL 2025: 167
Toss Prediction: Bat First
Head-to-Head Snapshot
Total Matches: 32
KKR Wins: 20
PBKS Wins: 12
Recent Meeting: PBKS beat KKR by 16 runs on April 15, 2025
Team News & Key Players
Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR’s struggles begin with the bat. Apart from Ajinkya Rahane and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi, the rest haven’t clicked. Big names like Russell, Narine, and Rinku Singh haven’t delivered the fireworks KKR fans are used to. On the bowling front, Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have been bright spots, while the spin trio has provided control but few breakthroughs.
Player to Watch: Angkrish Raghuvanshi – 197 runs @ 149.24 SR
Impact Player: Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Predicted XI:
Gurbaz (wk), Narine, Rahane (c), V. Iyer, Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Russell, Ramandeep Singh, H. Rana, V. Arora, Chakaravarthy
Punjab Kings
PBKS have found more balance, with Shreyas Iyer anchoring the innings and Shashank Singh finishing strongly. The likes of Prabhsimran and Priyansh Arya give them explosive starts, though inconsistency remains. With the ball, Arshdeep and Chahal are settling into rhythm, while Harpreet Brar could be key on a slower pitch.
Player to Watch: Shreyas Iyer – 263 runs @ 185.21 SR
Impact Player: Harpreet Brar
Predicted XI:
Prabhsimran, Arya, Iyer (c), Inglis (wk), Wadhera, Shashank, Stoinis, Jansen, Bartlett, Arshdeep, Chahal
Win Probability
KKR – 53% | PBKS – 47%
Based on historical data and team composition, though form tilts it slightly in Punjab’s favor.
Final Verdict: Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Despite playing at home, Kolkata haven’t looked like a side capable of defending their title. Punjab Kings have had the edge in recent contests and look more cohesive as a unit. Unless KKR’s stars rediscover their touch, Punjab are poised to complete the double over them this season.
Prediction: Punjab Kings to win Match 44