Match Preview
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) lock horns in the 12th match of Indian Premier League 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday, April 6.
KKR have had a rough start to their campaign, losing two matches on the trot. Their batting performance in the first match against Mumbai Indians was excellent, however it was the bowling that failed to contain the MI openers who did the bulk of the work. In the second match, KKR faced the same issues and even the batting struggled to keep up with the required rate resulting in a 65-run loss.

PBKS, on the other hand, have had a fantastic run. The team showed resilience to overcome the targets on both occasions against Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings and the make-up of the side looks perfect. There is enough firepower in both the departments and KKR have their task cut out in the upcoming match.
The home team might go ahead and make a couple of changes. With Cameron Green unavailable to bowl and his form being uncertain, Rachin Ravindra can be a much better option. Varun Chakravarthy, too, can be given a break with Prashant Solanki coming in his place. But the question is - will the team management take the bold decisions? As for PBKS, they look settled and sorted and highly unlikely to make any changes.
KKR vs PBKS Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Number | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Monday, April 6 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings | 12 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7.30 PM |
Eden Gardens Stats in IPL
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 101 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 43 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 57 |
| No Result | 01 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 169 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 154 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 262/2 (18.4) by PBKS vs KKR, 2024 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 49/10 (9.4) by RCB vs KKR, 2017 |
| Highest Score Chased | 262 [262/2 in 18.4 overs] by PBKS vs KKR, 2024 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 131 by KKR vs RCB, 2017 |
Eden Gardens Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | High | Low to moderate | Moderate |
| Bounce | Steady | Low | Decent |
| Movement | Moderate | Minimal | Moderate |
| Best Phase | Almost throughout | After powerplay | After early overs |
KKR vs PBKS Head-to-Head record in IPL
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 35 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 21 |
| Punjab Kings | 13 |
| No Results | 01 |
KKR vs PBKS Playing 11 Prediction
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Ajinkya Rahane (C), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Rachin Ravindra/Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy/Prashant Solanki, Blessing Muzarabani
Impact Sub: Saurabh Dubey
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh
Impact Sub: Yuzvendra Chahal
Players to watch out for in KKR vs PBKS
Finn Allen (KKR)
Allen is in terrific form and the Kiwi appears to love batting at Eden Gardens. In the last game against SRH, the right-hander got off the blocks rapidly to end up scoring 28(7) with four fours and two sixes. Moreover, the 26-year-old played a quickfire 37 in the first match against MI at the Wankhede Stadium. As a result, the clean-hitting opener can be counted upon for this important clash for KKR.
Vijaykumar Vyshak (PBKS)
The right-arm medium pacer is currently the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with five wickets in two matches and has been on a roll, picking up wickets in the middle overs. The only downside to the Karnataka bowler's performances has been the economy rate which is 9.00. It has always been an issue for him though. Nevertheless, PBKS at the moment would not mind it much if he keeps picking wickets.
Today's Match Prediction: Punjab Kings to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.



