By Chirag - Apr 15, 2025 01:48 PM
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to produce thrilling encounters, and the clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 15 at the Mullanpur Stadium in Chandigarh promises more of the same. PBKS, who started the season with two wins on the trot, have since seen a dip in form with two losses in their last three matches. On the other hand, defending champions KKR are yet to find momentum, alternating between wins and losses in their six games so far.
With both teams eager to find consistency, and the pitch at Mullanpur expected to favor the batters, fans can expect fireworks with the bat. Let’s take a look at three players who are most likely to make a big impact with the bat in today’s fixture.
The South African opener has had a mixed bag this season but continues to be a key figure at the top of the order for Kolkata. With 141 runs from six matches at a strike rate of 141, de Kock’s season includes a stunning unbeaten 97, although he’s yet to follow it up with another significant knock.
In the last game against CSK, de Kock looked in fine rhythm, smashing 23 runs off 16 balls, including three massive sixes. If he gets going on the batting-friendly Mullanpur surface, KKR could very well find themselves in the driver’s seat early in the innings.
The young sensation from Punjab, Priyansh Arya, has been one of the finds of the season. The 24-year-old made headlines with a spectacular century against CSK, and followed it up with a blistering 13-ball 36 in the previous match versus Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he struck four sixes and two boundaries at an astonishing strike rate of 276.92.
Arya has already accumulated 194 runs in five games at an impressive average of 38.80 and strike rate of 220.45. With the Mullanpur wicket offering value for stroke-making, Arya will look to provide another explosive start and help PBKS set or chase down a big total.
Leading from the front, Shreyas Iyer has been a pillar of consistency for Punjab this season. He has not only anchored the innings at crucial moments but also done so at a brisk pace. With 250 runs from five matches, Iyer boasts a remarkable average of 83.33 and a strike rate of 208.33, including three half-centuries.
In the previous match against Hyderabad, Iyer top-scored for his team with a scintillating 82 off just 36 deliveries, laced with six fours and six sixes.His performance will be essential if PBKS is to defeat the reigning champs and recover.
As PBKS aim to return to winning ways and KKR look for back-to-back victories, today’s contest could very well be decided by which of these top batters rises to the occasion. With favorable conditions for run-scoring and plenty of firepower on both sides, fans are in for a high-scoring thriller at Mullanpur.
Also Read: PBKS vs KKR IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer stats & Records against KKR
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