Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)
The Eden Gardens is set to host another game featuring the defending champions, as the match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) is set to take place on April 26. This will be the second match that will be played between the two sides this season.
The KKR side has not had the best of seasons so far in the last eight games they have played. The Boys in Purple under Ajinkya Rahane have won only three games and lost five. They will be hoping that they finally get their redemption against the Punjab franchise in the upcoming game.
There is no doubt that this is a do-or-die game for KKR but it will also be an important one for the Kings as well. The playoff chances of the Shreyas Iyer-led side is in question after their disappointing loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They have beaten the defending champions at their homeground in Chandigarh and will be looking to do the same on Saturday.
Predicted Impact Players for Kolkata Knight Riders
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi- Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been one of the upcoming talents for the KKR side and has already given some promising performances. The 20-year-old batter has been in great form and has taken advantage of his opportunities this season.
- Rovman Powell- There could arise a situation where the team might need a hitter and Rovman Powell could be the answer to their prayers looking at the form of Andre Russell and Rinku Singh.
- Manish Pandey- The KKR batters might use the experienced Karnataka batter to make sure he builds the innings and takes the game deep if required.
- Mayank Markande- Markande has proven to be a wicket-taker in the past and might be brought in to make some breakthroughs in the match if required.
- Chetan Sakariya- Though Harshit Rana has been decent at the death, he has struggled to bowl in the powerplay. This might be a reason for bringing in left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya in the mix.
Predicted Impact Players for Punjab Kings
- Harpreet Brar- The left-arm spinner has already given some decent performances and might be preferred as a wicket-taking option, especially at the Eden Gardens.
- Suryansh Shedge- The 22-year-old all-rounder is known for his explosive innings in domestic cricket, and this might be his chance to finally prove himself in this upcoming encounter.
- Glenn Maxwell- Though the Big Show has not been in form there can be a possibility that the team backs him as an Impact Player and give him a chance to prove himself in a possible dire situation.
- Vijaykumar Vyshak- Vyshak is known for bowling the tough overs in the game and the franchise might give him a game as an Impact Player to prove his worth as a pacer with his variations and ability to bowl yorkers.
- Musheer Khan- The U19 World Cup finalist is yet to get a game this season. There is a chance that the Mumbai batter might be backed by the franchise going forward.
Expert opinion and final prediction
Home advantage: The Kolkata Knight Riders have a terrible record at home this season with only one win which makes it slightly worrying for them.
Recent form: Kolkata Knight Riders have only won three games out of eight while the Punjab franchise has won five and are still in the playoff race.
Balanced Side: Both teams seem to be equally balanced but not all the players have been able to make consistent contributions in the tournament so far.
KKR vs PBKS prediction
Looking at the recent form of both teams, it will most likely be the Punjab Kings who would emerge victorious.
Disclaimer: This latest 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.
