As the IPL 2025 season edges toward its midpoint, both KKR vs PBKS find themselves at a pivotal juncture. While their current mid-table standings may not fully reflect their potential, Tuesday’s face-off at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur could significantly alter the dynamics of the points table. A win for either side would put them in strong contention among the frontrunners.
Despite their inconsistent starts, both sides have had flashes of brilliance. KKR and PBKS have already shown that they can be formidable when their core players click. The win-loss ratio may hint at instability, but underlying performances indicate rising momentum. The contest on Tuesday, April 15, becomes all the more crucial as teams start vying not just for points but also for a superior Net Run Rate—often the fine line between qualification and elimination.
Batting Fireworks Expected in Mullanpur
The Mullanpur surface has proven to be a batter’s paradise this season. In three of the four innings played at the venue, teams have posted 200+ totals, making it a potential run-fest once again. Although dew could play a minor role, conditions are expected to remain ideal for big hitters from both sides.
PBKS are reeling from a morale-draining defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad, where they failed to defend a massive 245. With Lockie Ferguson ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Punjab’s bowling department appears thin, especially on such a flat wicket. Fast bowling coach James Hopes confirmed that Ferguson is unlikely to return this season: “We’re going to have to change our team up a bit. Ferguson is out indefinitely.”
Shreyas Iyer’s Insider Edge?
Shreyas Iyer, now leading PBKS, might hold a slight tactical edge against his former franchise, KKR. His knowledge of their setup—players, coaches, and game strategies—could be a valuable asset. Despite his current form being modest, his historical record against KKR is impressive—456 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of over 150.
However, the likes of Andre Russell could be Iyer’s stumbling block yet again. The KKR all-rounder has dismissed the PBKS skipper five times in nine innings, and he also holds a strong record against Marcus Stoinis. Expect KKR to deploy Russell strategically despite using him sparingly with the ball so far.
Team News and Probable XI
Punjab Kings:
With Ferguson unavailable, PBKS will look to rebalance their bowling. They are expected to stick with Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh in the pace department, while Yuzvendra Chahal remains their spin spearhead, albeit underutilized so far.
Probable XI: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Kolkata Knight Riders:
KKR might bring in Spencer Johnson for Moeen Ali to add an extra pace option. With Anrich Nortje yet to feature this season, their bowling relies heavily on spin, where they lead the charts in average and economy.
Probable XI: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson/Moeen Ali, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora.
Key Stats & Matchups
KKR leads the overall head-to-head against PBKS 21-12.
Since 2020, both teams have won four matches each in their eight recent encounters.
Sunil Narine has a phenomenal record against PBKS: 34 wickets at an average of 20.02 and an economy of 7.02.
PBKS’ spinners have been the most expensive this season, averaging 54.4 runs per wicket with a strike rate of 31.2.
What to Expect
This matchup is expected to be high-scoring and strategically intense. While KKR’s spinners could dominate the middle overs, PBKS will bank on their power-packed middle order to counterattack. The game could very well come down to how the teams manage their bowling resources on a batting-friendly deck.
Expect fireworks, fierce battles, and possibly, a reshuffling of the top-four pecking order.
