IPL 2025: Predicting PBKS’s playing XI for their clash against KKR

The ‘number five’ Punjab Kings (PBKS), in their quest to enter the list of the ‘top four teams’ in the tournament’s points table, will take on the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the 44th game of the ongoing IPL 2025. Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 PM (IST). 

It will be an all-important game for PBKS to get themselves placed in one of the top four spots in the tournament standings. They are currently in fifth place, with five wins and three defeats in their eight games so far, earning 10 points to their name. A win in this game will help them move up a spot or two in the tournament’s points table, surpassing RCB and MI. 

Here is the predicted playing XI of Punjab Kings against KKR:

Openers  

The PBKS are expected to go ahead with the same opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. The duo also provided a blistering start of 42 runs in just 4.2 overs in the last game against RCB. The young left-hander scored 22 runs off 15 balls, with three fours and a six. 

Besides him, Prabhsimran Singh also contributed with a quick 33 runs off just 17 balls, with five fours and a six. Both the batters will aim to convert their good starts into big knocks in the upcoming game against KKR.

Middle-Order  

The middle-order of the PBKS will start with the skipper Shreyas Iyer at number three. After hitting some amazing half-centuries in the starting phase of the tournament, Iyer has been struggling with poor form for the last few matches. He will aim to make a strong comeback in this game against his former team, KKR. 

Iyer will be followed by the star wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who played a crucial knock of 29 runs off just 17 balls, with two fours and a six in the last game against RCB. Later in the middle-order, star batter Nehal Wadhera will be there to bat at number. He is capable of hitting some big shots to help PBKS post a big total on the board. 

All-Rounders  

The management might field Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen as two specialist pace-bowling all-rounders in the playing XI for their next game against KKR. Jansen was quite impactful with the bat in the previous game amidst PBKS’ struggle in the first innings; he scored 25 runs off 20 balls, with two sixes.  

Besides that, Marcus Stoinis is also capable of hitting some quick runs in the death overs to take his side to a big total. Both Stoinis and Jansen could also be very useful with the ball for their side, be it in the first innings or while defending the target in the second innings. 

Bowlers  

The bowling attack of the Kings is expected to include two out-and-out pacers, Xavier Bartlett and Arshdeep Singh, alongside pace support from the all-rounders, Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen. Arshdeep Singh scalped 1 wicket at 26 runs in his 3 overs in the last game against RCB. 

Besides this pace attack, star leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal will also be there to accompany this pace attack. He might also get a spin support from Harpreet Brar, who is expected to be introduced as an impact player in the playing XI. Chahal and Brar also scalped a wicket each in the last game against RCB.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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