PBKS vs KKR is set to be one of the most crucial mid-season clashes in IPL 2025. Both teams are currently stuck in the middle of the table, and a win on Tuesday could propel either team toward the top of the points table. Consequently, the stakes are high, and every ball matters.
📊 PBKS vs KKR: The Race for Playoffs Intensifies
While both teams have been inconsistent so far, several key players are starting to hit their stride. As a result, this PBKS vs KKR clash could prove to be a turning point. Additionally, with half the league phase behind them, both teams know that every win will have a significant impact on their playoff aspirations.
Moreover, the top half of the points table is tightly packed. Therefore, Net Run Rate (NRR) is becoming increasingly important. In this crucial encounter, PBKS vs KKR will not only be about securing a win but also about differentiating themselves from the competition on the NRR front.
📍 Venue & Time
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh
- Date & Time: Tuesday, April 15, 2024, at 7:30 PM IST
🏠 Punjab Kings: Home Pressure & Injury Woes
🔴 Injury News: Unfortunately, PBKS has ruled out Lockie Ferguson for the rest of the season due to a serious hamstring injury.
💬 “Getting him back by the end of the tournament is a very low percentage.” – James Hopes
PBKS vs KKR could prove to be a pivotal moment for PBKS, as they now face the challenge of adapting without Ferguson. Moreover, the Mullanpur pitch will offer little help to bowlers, meaning the team must rely on their batters to set up big totals.
Key Players:
- Shreyas Iyer, with his remarkable record against KKR, will look to capitalize on his form and lead the charge.
- Yuzvendra Chahal has a solid record against KKR, with 29 wickets in 22 games, and will play a crucial role in the middle overs.
🔮 Probable XII:Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vyshak Vijaykumar
🟣 Kolkata Knight Riders: Ready for the Big Push?
For KKR, PBKS vs KKR could serve as a defining moment in their season. The team may opt for Spencer Johnson to fill in for Moeen Ali, adding more pace to their attack. In addition, KKR will need to strengthen their batting to overcome PBKS’s formidable line-up.
Key Matchups:
- Andre Russell, with his excellent record against both Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis, will be a key player in this encounter.
- Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy will be tasked with controlling the middle overs and containing PBKS’s power hitters.
🔮 Probable XII:Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson/Moeen Ali, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora
📈 PBKS vs KKR: Head-to-Head Record
| Record | KKR | PBKS |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 21 Wins | 12 Wins |
| Since 2020 | 4 Wins | 4 Wins |
🧠 Expert Insights:
James Hopes, PBKS Fast Bowling Coach, believes that the team’s middle order can be a game-changer in their clash with KKR:
“We have a solid middle order that plays spin very well, and that’s going to be crucial in this PBKS vs KKR encounter. We need to get Yuzvendra Chahal more involved in the game. He’s an important asset for us, and for us to make a real push in the tournament, we need him at his best.”
📍 What to Expect in Mullanpur
- Expect another thrilling PBKS vs KKR contest with big totals and high-pressure moments.
- Dew might play a role, especially in the second innings, so teams will need to adjust accordingly.
📢 Final Word
With PBKS vs KKR set for fireworks in Mullanpur, both teams know the stakes. Therefore, the winner could break away from mid-table mediocrity and start their push for the playoffs






