KKR Still Searching for Spark as Punjab Kings Eye Playoff Push
Big Picture: Punjab Kings On Course, KKR On the Brink
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were expected to turn a corner in their campaign just ten days ago. Chasing a modest 112 against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), victory seemed well within reach, along with a much-needed boost to their net run rate. But instead of consolidating their position in the IPL 2025 points table, KKR crumbled under pressure, bowled out for 95 in a shocking collapse.
That painful defeat was followed by another humbling loss at the hands of Gujarat Titans, exposing major concerns in their middle and lower-order batting. Now, the equation is clear: KKR must win five of their remaining six games to realistically stay in the playoff race.
For Punjab Kings, however, that gritty win over KKR might have been the moment their season turned. With five wins in eight games, they’re sitting comfortably in the top half of the standings. With just three more wins needed from six remaining matches, a long-awaited playoff return — their first since 2014 — is finally within reach.
Momentum and Form: PBKS Hold the Edge
While KKR are searching for form and answers, PBKS look settled and sharp. Their batting unit is firing, and Yuzvendra Chahal’s return to peak form has added venom to their spin attack. PBKS have also shown flexibility with their team combination, rotating Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell depending on matchups — something that could come into play again, with KKR’s lineup stacked with left-handers.
Meanwhile, despite retaining eight players from their title-winning core, KKR’s spark appears dimmed. Their home advantage at Eden Gardens — a fortress in 2024 — has diminished significantly in 2025, with just a 25% win rate so far.
Spotlight Players: Venkatesh Iyer and Yuzvendra Chahal
Venkatesh Iyer, once a breakout star for KKR, is under mounting pressure. After three single-digit scores in six innings and a sluggish 14-ball knock against GT, questions are swirling around his place in the XI. Saturday’s matchup won’t be easy either — PBKS’s Marco Jansen has dismissed him three times in four innings, conceding just 14 runs in the process.
In contrast, Yuzvendra Chahal has hit his stride. After a slow start, he has taken seven wickets in his last three matches, including a match-winning four-wicket haul against KKR. His return to flight, loop, and variation has been a crucial factor in PBKS’s strong middle-overs control.
Team News: Minor Tweaks Likely, Not Overhauls
KKR are expected to stick with Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top, with the only real debate being the fourth overseas spot — a toss-up between Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson, and Anrich Nortje. Their bench lacks depth, making a major reshuffle unlikely.
For PBKS, the big decision is whether to bring back Glenn Maxwell in place of Marcus Stoinis, especially with KKR’s left-hander-heavy top order.
Pitch and Toss Strategy
The game will be played on the same pitch as KKR’s previous loss to Gujarat Titans — a surface that showed some turn and offered grip to spinners despite expectations of dew. With that in mind, the team winning the toss might consider batting first to exploit early conditions.
Stats That Matter
- KKR average just 19 runs for the first wicket this season — the lowest among all teams.
- PBKS’s middle-order average (Nos. 4–7) is 23.90, slightly better than KKR’s 20.47, but still an area of concern.
- PBKS boast the best powerplay run rate (10.67) but also have the joint-fewest wickets (10) in the first six overs.
- Shreyas Iyer’s away average is 119 compared to a shockingly low 6.25 at home.
- Since 2022, KKR have lost all seven matches where Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy went wicketless together — including three in this season alone.
The Big Question
With KKR’s top order failing to deliver, is it time to reconsider Sunil Narine’s role as an opener? And more importantly, can this team rediscover its fighting spirit before it’s too late?
With form, confidence, and momentum on their side, PBKS look the better-balanced unit heading into Saturday. For KKR, it’s no longer just about climbing the table — it’s about survival.
