Chandigarh: A high-voltage contest is on the cards as Punjab Kings (PBKS) prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 31st match of the Indian Premier League 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday evening.
Punjab’s last outing was nothing short of a spectacle — a 491-run slugfest in Hyderabad, where they posted an imposing 245/6, only to be stunned by Sunrisers Hyderabad, who chased down the target in 18.4 overs. The loss has sent alarm bells ringing in the PBKS camp, especially concerning their bowling unit’s inability to close out high-scoring games.
Despite the defeat, Punjab’s batting remains their strongest suit, with skipper Shreyas Iyer emerging as the backbone of the lineup. Iyer has already amassed 250 runs from five innings at a strike rate of 208.33 and will be eyeing another big knock against his former side, whom he once led to an IPL title. He also boasts a stellar record against KKR, having scored 456 runs in 14 matches at an average of 41.45.
Young openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have been effective in the Powerplay, while Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh have added firepower to the lower-middle order. However, the form of Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell remains a concern, prompting discussions around the possible inclusion of Australian keeper-batsman Josh Inglis to strengthen the middle overs.
In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh has led the charge with seven wickets, but the rest of the attack, including Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, and an injury-hit Lockie Ferguson, has lacked consistency. With Ferguson's fitness still uncertain, PBKS might be forced to turn to a domestic pacer or bring Inglis in as a fresh overseas option.
Kolkata, on the other hand, come into the match high on confidence after an emphatic 8-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings. Sunil Narine continues to be their X-factor, contributing with both bat and ball — his 44 off 18 and 3/13 in the previous match being a testament to his allround value.
Ajinkya Rahane has anchored the KKR innings at No. 3, accumulating 204 runs at a strike rate of 154.54. The promotion of Rinku Singh to No. 4 paid dividends, while Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell remain threats despite patchy form. Quinton de Kock’s inconsistency at the top is a concern, but the inclusion of Moeen Ali has bolstered their spin attack.
KKR’s bowling, particularly their spinners, has found rhythm — Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy have choked oppositions with their control, and Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have provided solid pace options upfront.
With both teams locked in the mid-table — Punjab at sixth with three wins and two losses, and KKR in fourth with three wins and three defeats — this match could prove crucial in shaping the playoff race.
The Mullanpur surface has favoured teams batting first, with totals in excess of 200 proving difficult to chase. The toss, therefore, will be critical, with both captains likely to opt for setting a target under the lights.
The weather is expected to be hot and hazy, with no chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted contest.
Predicted XIs:
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson/Josh Inglis, Yuzvendra Chahal. *Impact Player:* Yash Thakur/Vijaykumar Vyshak.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy. *Impact Player:* Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
