By Chirag - Apr 26, 2025 09:41 AM
In a pivotal Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 game, the reigning champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will play the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens on Saturday, April 26. As the tournament heats up, both teams are under pressure to bounce back from recent defeats and regain momentum.
KKR’s campaign has been underwhelming so far, with just three wins in eight games. Their latest fixture ended in a 39-run loss to Gujarat Titans, leaving them in seventh place with six points. Meanwhile, PBKS are in a comparatively better position with five wins from eight matches, though they too are coming off a loss—this one to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by seven wickets. They currently sit 5th on the points table with 10 points.
This matchup seems to be a high-stakes matchup because both clubs are keen to get back to winning ways. PBKS have the psychological edge, having beaten KKR by 16 runs in a low-scoring thriller earlier this season. As both sides gear up for this contest, individual brilliance with the ball could be a game-changer.
Here’s a look at three bowlers who could play a decisive role in today’s clash:
Varun Chakaravarthy has been one of KKR’s standout performers with the ball this season. The mystery spinner has taken 10 wickets in eight matches, boasting an impressive average of 20.10 and an economy rate of just 6.48.
He was instrumental in their previous game against PBKS, where he picked up 2 wickets for 21 runs, including the crucial dismissals of Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell. Even in a losing effort against Gujarat Titans, Varun maintained control with figures of 0/33 from his full quota. Returning to his home ground, he’ll be key to Kolkata’s hopes of restricting Punjab’s batting lineup.
Pacer Harshit Rana has made valuable contributions with the ball for KKR this season. With an economy rate of 9.18 and an average of 22.54, he has taken 11 wickets in eight games.
Rana’s most memorable performance came in the previous match against PBKS, where he dismantled their top order by dismissing Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Shreyas Iyer, finishing with figures of 3/25. With the Eden Gardens pitch offering something for the seamers early on, Harshit will look to replicate that impactful spell.
PBKS leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has found his rhythm in the recent games and emerged as a consistent wicket-taker.In eight games, he has taken nine wickets at an average of 26.88. While his economy rate of 9.30 may seem high, his ability to pick wickets at crucial junctures makes him a potent threat.
Chahal has taken 7 wickets in his last three games, including a stellar 4/28. Although he had a quiet start to the season, his recent resurgence will boost PBKS’s bowling attack. Against a KKR batting lineup that has struggled for consistency, Chahal’s experience and guile could prove pivotal.
Also Read: KKR vs PBKS IPL 2025: Head to Head, Playing11 & AI Prediction
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