IPL 2026: Punjab Kings’ strongest predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) play in their second consecutive away game when they travel to West Bengal to face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Match 12 of the 2026 Indian Premier League on Monday, April 06.

Shreyas Iyer’s side are one of the form teams in the tournament’s early stages, having won both of their opening games so far, against the Gujarat Titans and most recently against the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. 

After winning the toss and deciding to bowl first, PBKS knew they had to be at their brilliant best after CSK put 209 on the board. Vijaykumar Vyshak was once again the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets, following up with the three wickets that he picked against GT in New Chandigarh. 

PBKS secured a five-wicket victory at Chepauk after chasing down the total with eight balls to spare. They were given an excellent start by Priyansh Arya, who scored 39 from just 11 deliveries. Once he was dismissed, the mantle was taken over by fellow opener Prabhsimran Singh, who hit 43, and captain Iyer, who scored 50 to take his side home.

With two victories already under their belt, there are few to no reasons for PBKS to make any changes to their playing 12, unless there is an unfortunate injury. 

Here is PBKS’ strongest predicted XI vs KKR, Match 12, IPL 2026:

Top Order: Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly

PBKS have a top order where every player is performing to the best of their abilities. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been excellent at the top of the order. The former has scored 80 runs from two matches whilst playing at a strike rate of 137.93.

Cooper Connolly, however, has been the star of this top order. Making his IPL debut against GT, the Australian scored an unbeaten 72 to win them the game before 36 against CSK a game later.

Middle Order: Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen

Captain Shreyas Iyer is arguably the most important player for PBKS in the middle order. The right-hander is capable of playing in two gears, where he can either knock the ball around and keep the scoreboard ticking if the side has lost early wickets or can clear the ropes even when the field is spread out in the middle overs.

Iyer’s presence also allows the finishers in the form of Shashak Singh and Marcus Stoinis to play their natural attacking game lower down the order.

Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Xavier Bartlett

Prior to the start of the tournament, it felt like PBKS had a relatively inexperienced bowling unit compared to some of the other teams. However, they have performed well in the circumstances. Vijaykumar Vyshak is currently the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with five scalps to his name. 

Yuzvendra Chahal is expected to be the Punjab-based side’s designated impact substitute option and their lead spinner. He has so far picked up three wickets in the competition.

Punjab Kings’ predicted playing XI in Match 12, IPL 2026:

Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Xavier Bartlett
 
Impact Player: Yuzvendra Chahal