The 44th match of IPL 2025 promises high drama as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens on April 26. This marks the second face-off between the two teams this season, with Punjab having etched their name into the record books in the previous clash by defending the lowest-ever IPL total—just 111 runs—against KKR in Chandigarh.
For defending champions KKR, the season has been far from ideal. With only three wins from eight games, they currently sit seventh on the points table with six points. Their campaign is hanging by a thread, and the margin for error is now razor-thin. Another loss or two could very well knock them out of the playoff race. Consistency, especially with the bat, has eluded them, and they’ll need their big names to step up in front of the home crowd.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, are riding a more promising wave. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have secured five wins in eight outings and remain well within playoff contention. However, they’ll be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to RCB in their last fixture. A win against KKR could cement their position in the top four and boost their confidence heading into the final stretch of the season.
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Historically, KKR have dominated this rivalry, winning 21 out of 34 encounters. Yet, PBKS have the momentum, having won three of the last four matches against KKR, including their gritty triumph earlier this season.
As KKR take on PBKS in a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash at Eden Gardens, a few individual battles could shape the outcome of the game.
#1 Sunil Narine vs Arshdeep Singh
Expect fireworks early on as Sunil Narine opens for KKR against Punjab’s new-ball specialist Arshdeep Singh. Narine has been giving KKR rapid starts, while Arshdeep thrives on early breakthroughs. With both players aggressive in their intent, this powerplay contest could tilt the game either way within the first few overs.
#2 Priyansh Arya vs Vaibhav Arora
Young Priyansh Arya has been in sublime touch for Punjab, but KKR’s Vaibhav Arora has quietly become a wicket-taker in the middle overs. Arya’s aggression vs Arora’s precision could be a deciding factor in PBKS’s batting effort.
#3 Andre Russell vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Andre Russell, coming off a solid outing against the Gujarat Titans, will be a key middle-order threat. However, PBKS will rely on the wily Yuzvendra Chahal to keep him quiet. Chahal’s knack for picking big wickets in crunch situations makes this face-off one to watch. Can Russell muscle his way through, or will Chahal spin a web around him.
