IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings – Match 44 Preview, Prediction, Fantasy Tips & Dream11
The stage is set at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 44th match of IPL 2025. This high-voltage clash is scheduled for April 26, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams have a history of thrilling encounters, and fans are expecting another cracker of a game today.
Recent History – PBKS Has the Edge
Interestingly, in their last two meetings, Punjab Kings have outclassed KKR in contrasting fashions. First, they chased a mammoth 262 in 2024, and then defended a modest 111 just ten days ago. Both were record-breaking matches in IPL history. KKR now seek revenge and redemption.
Match Overview
Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings
Date: April 26, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Weather: Hot and humid; dry pitch expected
Pitch Report: If the surface is slow, spinners like Chahal and Narine will enjoy bowling. But a flat pitch could see another high-scoring affair.
Team Form & Strategy
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR have been inconsistent this season. Despite strong individual names, they’ve failed to fire as a unit. Their top-order is yet to click, especially with no 50+ opening stand so far in IPL 2025. The team recently gave Rahmanullah Gurbaz a chance, and although he didn’t perform well, he is likely to retain his spot.
Players to Watch:
Andre Russell – Big hitter, especially against Chahal
Sunil Narine & Varun Chakaravarthy – Can turn the game on a spin-friendly surface
Venkatesh Iyer – A crucial middle-order batter with experience
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS are playing confident cricket despite losing their last match to RCB. With a strong Indian core and tactical flexibility, they look balanced. Overseas players like Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis need to step up to provide the final boost.
Players to Watch:
Shreyas Iyer (Captain) – Has dominated spin in IPL 2025
Arshdeep Singh – Death over specialist
Yuzvendra Chahal – Game-changer on slow wickets
Probable Playing XIs
KKR Probable XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
Sunil Narine
Ajinkya Rahane (C)
Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Venkatesh Iyer
Rinku Singh
Andre Russell
Moeen Ali
Ramandeep Singh
Varun Chakaravarthy
Harshit Rana
Possible Change: Vaibhav Arora might be replaced by Chetan Sakariya if the pitch assists pace.
PBKS Probable XI:
Prabhsimran Singh
Priyansh Arya
Shreyas Iyer (C)
Josh Inglis (WK)
Nehal Wadhera
Shashank Singh
Marcus Stoinis
Marco Jansen
Arshdeep Singh
Yuzvendra Chahal
Harpreet Brar
Possible Change: Harpreet Brar could be replaced by Glenn Maxwell if PBKS want more firepower.
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Top Picks:
Captain: Shreyas Iyer (in form, brilliant vs spin)
Vice-Captain: Sunil Narine (can contribute in both departments)
Batters: Rinku Singh, Josh Inglis, Venkatesh Iyer
All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Marcus Stoinis
Bowlers: Chahal, Arshdeep, Narine, Varun
Dream11 Team Suggestion:
Wicketkeeper:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz / Josh Inglis
Batters:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh
All-Rounders:
Andre Russell, Marcus Stoinis, Sunil Narine (VC)
Bowlers:
Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harpreet Brar
Match Prediction
In my opinion, PBKS are looking more settled and confident. KKR are struggling with consistency and lack of top-order partnerships. Unless Russell or Narine do something special, PBKS will win this match.
Key Stats to Remember:
KKR have won 9 out of 13 matches vs PBKS at Eden Gardens.
PBKS won both of their last encounters with KKR in thrilling styles.
KKR are the only team without a 50+ opening stand in IPL 2025.
Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis only on Hayee IPL.
Written by: Abdul Hayee Follow for more: Match previews, fantasy tips, and cricket insights.
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