KKR vs PBKS IPL 2025: Match 44 Preview, Playing XI, Fantasy Tips, Team News, Toss & Match Prediction

Dive into the full preview of IPL 2025 Match 44 – KKR vs PBKS. Get fantasy tips, predicted playing XI, pitch report, team news, toss updates & match prediction. Don’t miss out!

🏟️ Introduction: Clash at Eden – KKR vs PBKS

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 heats up, Match 44 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) is set to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Scheduled for April 26, 2025, this match could play a pivotal role in determining the fate of both teams in the playoff race.

This blog covers every angle you need: match preview, pitch report, team news, playing XI, toss prediction, fantasy tips, and final match predictions.

📅 Match Details

• Match Number: 44

• Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings

• Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• Time: 7:30 PM IST

• Live Streaming: JioCinema | Star Sports Network

📊 Head-to-Head: KKR vs PBKS

Kolkata has historically dominated Punjab, especially at Eden Gardens. However, the gap has narrowed in recent years.

🏟️ Eden Gardens Pitch Report & Conditions

🧤 Pitch Type

• Traditionally a batting paradise

• Good bounce, encouraging stroke-play

• A touch of turn in the second innings

🕖 Dew Factor

• Dew expected in the second innings – teams winning toss may prefer to bowl first

📈 Average Scores

• 1st Innings Average: 180+

• Highest Total at Venue (IPL): 232/2

🗞️ Team News & Injury Updates

📌 KKR Team Updates:

• Sunil Narine continues his all-round brilliance

• Andre Russell nursing minor niggle but expected to play

• Anrich Nortje may be rested for Moeen Ali to balance spin options

📌 PBKS Team Updates:

• Glenn Maxwell returns after minor injury

• Rahul Chahar might sit out due to poor form

• Shreyas Iyer is in solid touch leading from the front

🧾 Probable Playing XIs

🟣 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

1. Sunil Narine

2. Quinton de Kock (wk)

3. Ajinkya Rahane (c)

4. Angkrish Raghuvanshi

5. Venkatesh Iyer

6. Rinku Singh

7. Andre Russell

8. Ramandeep Singh

9. Harshit Rana

10. Varun Chakaravarthy

11. Moeen Ali / Anrich Nortje

🔴 Punjab Kings (PBKS)

1. Prabhsimran Singh (wk)

2. Priyansh Arya

3. Shreyas Iyer (c)

4. Marcus Stoinis

5. Nehal Wadhera

6. Glenn Maxwell

7. Shashank Singh

8. Azmatullah Omarzai

9. Marco Jansen

10. Arshdeep Singh

11. Yuzvendra Chahal

🧠 Fantasy Cricket Tips – KKR vs PBKS

Choosing the right fantasy XI is key. Here’s a breakdown for both Dream11 and other platforms.

🔥 Top Captaincy Picks

• Sunil Narine (KKR) – Form, consistency, and all-round points

• Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – Consistent performer and anchor

⚡ Vice-Captain Options

• Glenn Maxwell (PBKS) – All-round threat

• Rinku Singh (KKR) – Match-finisher with explosive hitting

🎯 Must-Have Players

• Andre Russell

• Quinton de Kock

• Varun Chakaravarthy

• Yuzvendra Chahal

❌ Players to Avoid

• Ramandeep Singh – Limited batting opportunities

• Rahul Chahar – May not feature in final XI

🛡️ Dream11 Fantasy Team Prediction

💡 Suggested Dream11 Team (Grand League)

Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Prabhsimran Singh
Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi
All-rounders: Sunil Narine (C), Andre Russell (VC), Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Marco Jansen

⚠️ Tip: Always check final playing XIs at toss time before locking in your fantasy teams.

🎙️ Toss Prediction

Historically at Eden Gardens:

• Teams winning the toss prefer to bowl first

• Dew in 2nd innings often helps chasing

Toss Winner Prediction: KKR to win the toss and bowl first

📈 Key Stats Before the Match

• Most Runs in KKR vs PBKS: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – 378 runs

• Most Wickets: Sunil Narine – 22 wickets

• Highest Score at Eden in 2025: KKR 221/5 vs MI

• Best Bowling Figures 2025: Varun Chakaravarthy – 4/19

🧠 Strategic Battles to Watch

• Narine vs Maxwell: Caribbean flair in a head-on clash

• Chahal vs de Kock: Spin master against explosive lefty

• Russell vs Stoinis: Aussie-Kiwi all-round firepower duel

💬 Expert Opinion

“This is not just another game—it’s a virtual quarter-final for both sides. Eden Gardens will be buzzing, and fantasy players will be hoping for big scores from Narine and Maxwell.”
— Former India Cricketer & IPL Analyst

🔚 Final Match Prediction – Who Will Win?

🏆 Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders to Win

Reasons:

• Home advantage at Eden Gardens

• Balanced squad with in-form all-rounders

• Better head-to-head record

Expected Result: KKR beat PBKS by 20+ runs or 5 wickets

🔁 Match Highlights & Live Score

You can catch all the live updates, video highlights, and post-match analysis on:

• IPL Official Website

• JioCinema App

• ESPN Cricinfo

📌 Conclusion

The KKR vs PBKS IPL 2025 Match 44 is more than just two teams playing—it’s a high-stakes showdown. From fantasy league stakes to playoff drama, this encounter promises thrills. Stay tuned for toss updates and last-minute changes.

📢 FAQs

Q1. What time does KKR vs PBKS 2025 start?

• The match starts at 7:30 PM IST on April 26, 2025.

Q2. Where is the match being played?

• At the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Q3. Who is likely to win today’s match – KKR or PBKS?

• Based on form and pitch, KKR are favorites.

Q4. Who should be captain in Dream11 for this match?

• Sunil Narine or Shreyas Iyer are safe captaincy bets.

Also Read:-

MI vs LSG IPL 2025: Match 45 Preview, Playing XI, Fantasy Tips, Team News, Toss & Match Prediction