Kolkata Gears Up for a Big One as KKR Take on PBKS at Eden Gardens Tonight
Saturday nights and IPL matches? A perfect combo. And tonight, on April 26, Eden Gardens will be buzzing as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 44th match of IPL 2025. The action kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, and there’s a lot riding on this one.
Let’s break it down for you—fantasy tips, probable XIs, pitch insights, and who might come out on top.
Match Preview: KKR vs PBKS – Do or Die for Kolkata?
KKR haven’t had the best season so far. With just 3 wins from 8 games, they’re hanging on at 7th spot in the points table. Their recent loss to Gujarat Titans by 39 runs stung, despite a solid half-century by Ajinkya Rahane. Simply put: Kolkata need a win, badly—and doing it at home could be just what they need to bounce back.
On the other side, PBKS are doing slightly better, sitting 5th with 5 wins from 8 matches. However, they’re coming off a disappointing 7-wicket defeat to RCB. The good news? Youngster Prabhsimran Singh looked sharp with a 33-run knock. Punjab will be eager to get back to winning ways and firm up their playoff chances.
Head-to-Head Record: KKR Dominates History
- Matches Played: 33
- KKR Wins: 21
- PBKS Wins: 12
KKR has had the upper hand in this matchup, but Punjab’s form this season makes this an even contest.
CSK vs SRH IPL 2025 Match Prediction: Best Dream11 Team, Pitch Report & Win Probability
Weather & Pitch Report – Eden Gardens Tonight
- Temperature: 29°C
- Conditions: Scattered clouds
- Pitch: Batting-friendly
- Best Suited for: Pace bowlers
- Average 1st Innings Score: 193
- Chasing Record: Poor (37% win rate)
Expect runs—but the toss might just play a big part.
Predicted Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar
How to Grab Tickets for CSK vs SRH IPL 2025 Clash at Chepauk – Prices, Online & Offline Booking
Dream11 Fantasy Tips – Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?
Captaincy Picks
- Sunil Narine (KKR) – A dual threat with bat and ball, and always a fantasy favorite.
- Priyansh Arya (PBKS) – Consistent and calm under pressure.
Top Picks
- Ajinkya Rahane – Back in form with a classy 50 last game.
- Shreyas Iyer – A proven performer, even if he flopped in the last match.
Budget Picks
- Marco Jansen – Can fetch points with both bat and ball.
- Gurbaz – Explosive opener, and a good wicketkeeper pick.
Dream11 Team Suggestions
Dream11 Team 1:
- Keeper: Prabhsimran Singh
- Batters: Shreyas Iyer (vc), Ajinkya Rahane, Priyansh Arya, Rinku Singh
- All-rounders: Sunil Narine (c), Marco Jansen, Andre Russell
- Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana
Dream11 Team 2:
- Keeper: Prabhsimran Singh
- Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Priyansh Arya (c)
- All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Marco Jansen, Andre Russell
- Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Yuzvendra Chahal
Players to Avoid
- Pyla Avinash – Didn’t play the last game (DNP).
- Ramandeep Singh – Low returns recently, better picks available.
Expert Fantasy Advice
- Small League (SL) Captain: Sunil Narine
- Grand League (GL) Captain: Priyansh Arya
- Punt Picks: Rinku Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
- Dream11 Combo: 1 keeper – 4 batters – 3 all-rounders – 3 bowlers
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
Tough call, but going by current form and squad depth, Punjab Kings look more likely to win tonight. But hey—never count out KKR at Eden Gardens. It could go down to the final over
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – KKR vs PBKS, Match 44, IPL 2025
The match will be held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, one of the most iconic stadiums in India.
The game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
You can catch the live action on Star Sports Network and stream it on JioCinema for free in India.
The weather looks good—scattered clouds and around 29°C, so no rain interruptions are expected.
Sunil Narine (KKR) – always a game-changer with both bat and ball.
Priyansh Arya (PBKS) – rising star and a solid choice for risky leagues.
Marco Jansen – handy with both bat and ball.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – explosive opener, could give you points early.
Ajinkya Rahane is leading Kolkata Knight Riders.
Shreyas Iyer is captaining Punjab Kings.
Out of 33 matches, KKR has won 21, while PBKS has won 12.
Based on recent form and team momentum, Punjab Kings are slightly ahead and could take this one.
