Kolkata, Apr 26 (UNI) Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a stern test of survival when they host Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a crucial IPL 2025 encounter at Eden Gardens here on Saturday evening.
Having won just three of their eight games, KKR find themselves languishing at seventh on the points table, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. In contrast, Punjab are better placed in fifth with five wins, including a morale-boosting 16-run victory over KKR earlier this month.
KKR's struggles this season have been underlined by inconsistent batting and underwhelming performances from senior players. Captain Ajinkya Rahane remains one of the few bright spots, scoring a fluent 50 in their recent 39-run defeat to Gujarat Titans.
Young Angkrish Raghuvanshi has also impressed with 197 runs at a healthy strike rate, but constant changes in the batting order have unsettled the side.
Sunil Narine and Andre Russell — both central to KKR's past successes — have failed to deliver consistently, while the absence of solid middle-order partnerships has left the team vulnerable on slower tracks.
On the bowling front, the pace duo of Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have shared 20 wickets between them, but have lacked support in pressure situations. The spin trio of Narine, Moeen Ali and Varun Chakaravarthy have offered some control, but haven't been able to turn games around.
Punjab, meanwhile, have been patchy but potent. Shreyas Iyer leads their batting charts with 263 runs at a blazing strike rate of 185.21. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have shown glimpses of form, while Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera have added useful lower-order runs. However, questions remain over the lack of consistency and Josh Inglis’ minimal impact since replacing Glenn Maxwell.
With the ball, Arshdeep Singh has led the attack effectively, while Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar are expected to thrive on the slow Eden wicket. Chahal, with nine wickets so far, will be key in the middle overs.
The Eden Gardens pitch has mostly favoured teams batting first this season, with three of four matches won by the side setting a target. Scores around 180-190 are considered par on a surface that offers turn and grip for spinners under lights.
With the pressure mounting, KKR will need a complete performance to stay in contention, while Punjab will look to tighten their hold on a top-four finish.
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