The 44th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting at 7:30 PM IST. This encounter promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for crucial points in the league standings.
Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings
Match Number: 44th Match, IPL 2025
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Key Players:
Andre Russell
Sunil Narine
Varun Chakravarthy
Rinku Singh
Harshit Rana
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Key Players:
Prabhsimran Singh
Yuzvendra Chahal
Marco Jansen
Arshdeep Singh
Liam Livingstone
In their previous encounter on April 15, 2025, Punjab Kings defended the lowest total in IPL history, successfully restricting Kolkata Knight Riders to 95 runs after posting a modest 111. Yuzvendra Chahal's exceptional bowling performance of 4/28 was instrumental in this historic win.
Kolkata Knight Riders will be eager to avenge this defeat and capitalize on their home advantage at Eden Gardens. With a balanced squad and the support of their home crowd, KKR aims to bounce back strongly.
Weather: The forecast indicates clear skies with pleasant evening temperatures, ideal for a full match.
Pitch: Eden Gardens traditionally offers a balanced pitch, assisting both batsmen and bowlers. Spinners may find some turn as the match progresses.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Andre Russell: Known for his explosive batting and crucial wickets, Russell's performance can be a game-changer.
Sunil Narine: His economical bowling and ability to take wickets in the powerplay make him a vital asset.
Shreyas Iyer: As captain, his leadership and batting at the top order will be crucial for setting a strong foundation.
Punjab Kings
Shikhar Dhawan: The experienced opener's ability to anchor the innings can provide stability to PBKS's batting lineup.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Coming off a match-winning performance, his spin bowling will be key in the middle overs.
Arshdeep Singh: His left-arm pace and death-over expertise can restrict KKR's scoring in the final overs.
Considering the teams' recent performances and the home advantage for Kolkata Knight Riders, this match is expected to be closely contested. KKR will aim to leverage their familiarity with the Eden Gardens pitch, while PBKS will look to replicate their previous success against KKR.