PBKS vs KKR | Preview, Playing XI, Dream11 Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Winning Prediction

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders: IPL 2025 Match Preview, Pitch Report & Likely Playing XI

As the Indian Premier League 2025 season progresses towards its crucial middle phase, all eyes are now set on an exciting clash between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. The PBKS vs KKR contest is the 31st match of IPL 2025 and promises to be a cracker, not just because of its potential playoff implications but also because of the star power both sides bring to the table.

Despite their mid-table positions, both Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have played cricket that suggests they are much more dangerous than their current standings reflect. This upcoming PBKS vs KKR battle at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur could well act as a launching pad for either team to break into the top tier of the IPL 2025 points table.

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – A Clash of Revival and Redemption

Punjab Kings enter this high-voltage encounter licking their wounds after being hammered by Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last outing. Defending a massive 245, PBKS ended up on the wrong side of one of the most brutal chases in IPL history. But as the IPL 2025 season has shown so far, fortunes can change quickly.

Punjab Kings’ main headache ahead of the PBKS vs KKR clash is undoubtedly their bowling unit, especially after losing speedster Lockie Ferguson for the rest of the tournament. Ferguson's hamstring injury leaves a significant gap, and PBKS might look at their bench strength to bring in Xavier Bartlett or the versatile Azmatullah Omarzai to strengthen the pace attack.

On the other side, Kolkata Knight Riders are coming into this PBKS vs KKR match with fresh confidence, having handed Chennai Super Kings their fifth straight defeat. KKR's spin trio of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Moeen Ali completely dismantled CSK on a spin-friendly Chepauk surface. But with the pitch at Mullanpur known for high-scoring affairs, KKR’s bowlers might have to work harder.

The Importance of Shreyas Iyer vs KKR - A Personal Battle

Adding more spice to the PBKS vs KKR battle is Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer. Once the leader of KKR, Iyer now stands across them, leading PBKS. And if stats are anything to go by, this is a contest he has often dominated.

Shreyas Iyer holds an excellent record against Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 456 runs at an average above 41 with a blazing strike rate of 150+. His new aggressive approach in IPL 2025 has seen him strike at 208.33, the highest among Indian batters this season (minimum 100 balls faced).

PBKS will hope that Iyer's familiarity with the KKR setup will work to their advantage in this much-anticipated IPL 2025 face-off.

PBKS vs KKR Playing XI – Youth vs Experience

Punjab Kings, despite their inconsistent campaign, have been aggressive in their team selection. Their probable XI against KKR is a perfect mix of experienced overseas stars like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis combined with Indian talents such as Priyansh Arya and Nehal Wadhera.

KKR, however, have banked heavily on their spinners and big hitters like Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh. While their opening partnerships haven't been great so far, Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock could still provide fireworks at the top.

PBKS vs KKR Head-to-Head Record - Pretty Balanced in Recent Years

While KKR enjoy a comfortable overall head-to-head record against PBKS (21-12), the battles since 2020 have been very even, with both teams winning four games each.

Interestingly, their previous meeting was one for the record books when Punjab Kings chased down a mammoth 262 against KKR at Eden Gardens, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this rivalry.

PBKS vs KKR: Pitch Report for Mullanpur Stadium

The surface at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium has been a paradise for batters. Three out of the four innings so far have seen 200-plus scores. Teams batting first have successfully defended their totals, and another run-fest is expected.

For bowlers, it will again be about accuracy and variations. Spinners might come into play in the middle overs, but seamers with variations can also play a key role at the death.

Players to Watch Out for in PBKS vs KKR IPL 2025 Match

Shreyas Iyer – The PBKS captain is in sensational touch and will look to lead from the front against his former franchise.

Sunil Narine – A proven PBKS nemesis with both bat and ball, Narine's spin could hold the key on a batting-friendly track.

Yuzvendra Chahal – PBKS' ace spinner hasn't fired yet in IPL 2025, but he remains their biggest X-factor.

Andre Russell – While Russell hasn't had a major impact with the bat yet, his bowling record against Iyer and Stoinis might tempt KKR to use him more.

Final Thoughts - PBKS vs KKR IPL 2025

As Punjab Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders, this clash feels like a must-win for both sides to truly assert their presence in the top half of the IPL 2025 standings. The PBKS vs KKR contest isn't just about points but momentum, confidence, and proving their big-match credentials.

With batting firepower on both sides and a run-friendly pitch on offer, expect an electrifying contest in Mullanpur. However, it might come down to which bowling unit handles pressure better under the Mullanpur lights.