Match 44 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will see Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on April 26 at 7:30 PM IST. With the business end of the tournament approaching, this match holds high importance for both sides eyeing playoff spots.

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Kolkata Knight Riders the defending champions have struggled this season. With 3 wins in 8 matches, they sit 7th on the table. A disappointing 39-run loss to Gujarat Titans at home highlighted issues with their middle-order, where Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh have failed to fire consistently.

On the other hand Punjab Kings led by former KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer, are better placed. They sit 5th with 10 points from 8 matches though they suffered a 7-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their last outing at Mullanpur.

Match Details

• Match: KKR vs PBKS, Match 44 IPL 2025
• Date: April 26, 2025
• Time: 07:30 PM IST
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Live streaming: JioStar
• Live broadcast: Star Sports

KKR vs PBKS Pitch Report at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

The Eden Gardens pitch is known for its true bounce and flat surface, offering plenty to batters. High scores are likely if teams get going early.

Average First Innings Score: 164

Win Percentage (Batting Second): 57.73%

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played 34

Won by Kolkata Knight Riders 21

Won by Punjab Kings 13

KKR vs PBKS Playing XI Prediction

Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI (Predicted)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Moeen Ali, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Punjab Kings Playing XI (Predicted)

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh.

Key Players to Watch in KKR vs PBKS Match 44

Sunil Narine – Reliable with both bat and ball, Narine chipped in with 17 runs in the previous match and remains a key figure in KKR’s strategy.

Andre Russell – Though out of form, his all-round skills could be the game-changer if he clicks

Shreyas Iyer – In sublime touch with 263 runs in 8 innings at an average of 43.83 and a strike rate of 185.22. He will relish batting at Eden Gardens.

Yuzvendra Chahal – The spinner has taken 9 wickets in 8 matches. Notably, he claimed 4/28 in a previous encounter against KKR where PBKS defended just 111 runs.

Priyansh Arya – The young left-hander adds depth and scored 22 in the last game.

KKR vs PBKS Match 44 Winner Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s Match?

Despite the home advantage for KKR, Punjab Kings appear better balanced and in superior form. With in-form players like Shreyas Iyer and Yuzvendra Chahal, they have the edge.

Prediction: Punjab Kings to win Match 44 of IPL 2025.