IPL 2026: KKR vs PBKS, Match 12 – Top player battles to watch out for

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) square off against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Monday, April 6.

KKR have not had the kind of start they would have envisaged. The three-time champions suffered back-to-back defeats against the Mumbai Indians and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. While the bowling attack is not looking very threatening, the batting has not clicked as a unit.

On the other hand, the Punjab Kings have continued from where they left off in IPL 2025. The Shreyas Iyer-led side has played fearless cricket to win both its matches so far. They defeated the Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, and will be aiming for a hat-trick on Monday.

Here are three player battles for KKR vs PBKS Match 12

3) Blessing Muzarabani vs Priyansh Arya

Blessing Muzarabani had a rough start to his IPL career as he took a beating against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. However, on his IPL debut at the Eden Gardens, the Zimbabwean speedster bagged a four-for against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He will look to strike with the new ball and remove the dangerous Priyansh Arya.

Arya needed just 11 balls to make a stellar impact in the last game against the Chennai Super Kings. The southpaw amassed 39 runs, hitting three fours and four sixes. He will be high on confidence and looking to continue in the same vein on Monday.

2) Kartik Tyagi vs Shreyas Iyer

Right-arm pacer Kartik Tyagi has bowled with a lot of heart. He has been the most lively bowler this season for the Knights. He has bowled at good speeds and is expected to target Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer with the short balls.

On the other hand, Shreyas has looked in good touch, scoring 18 (11) against Gujarat and 50 (29) against Chennai. If he can get himself set at the crease, he can take the game away from the three-time champions.

1) Arshdeep Singh vs Finn Allen

Arshdeep Singh has not been at his best so far in IPL 2026. He finished with figures of 0/42 against the Titans and 0/41 against the Super Kings. He will want to hit his straps against Finn Allen, who has been in staggering form of late. If Arshdeep can get the new ball to swing, it could put Allen under some pressure.

Allen has amassed 65 runs off just 24 balls in the two matches that he has played this season. He is averaging 32.50, but what is mind-boggling is his strike rate of 270.84. However, after KKR’s back-to-back defeats, will Allen change his approach a bit or continue with his natural game? It will be intriguing to find out.