Historically, Kolkata Knight Riders have had the upper hand in this rivalry. Out of the 34 matches played between the two sides, KKR have emerged victorious in 21 games, while Punjab Kings have won 13.
Here’s a detailed look at the head-to-head statistics:
Here’s a breakdown of PBKS vs KKR match-winning percentage in the IPL:
The home ground of PBKS has witnessed tightly fought battles, with the Kings slightly edging out KKR.
The iconic Eden Gardens has largely been a happy hunting ground for KKR.
KKR have dominated in matches played at neutral venues as well.
In recent times, PBKS have started to make a comeback in the rivalry, winning three out of the last five matches.
In their latest meeting KKR bundled PBKS for a score of 110. Setting a target of just 111 runs. However, Punjab Kings bundled KKR for 95 and in doing so set the record for the lowest total ever defended in IPL history.
Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 108 led PBKS to a record chase of 262 at Eden Gardens, making it one of the most iconic run-chases in IPL history.
Wriddhiman Saha’s brilliant 115* remains the only century in this rivalry and one of the standout innings in PBKS history. However, it was quickly overshadowed by Manish Pandey’s knock as KKR chased down the target of 200 in the final to lift their second IPL crown.
KL Rahul’s composed 67 in Dubai helped PBKS secure a crucial win during a tight playoff race.
Andre Russell’s explosive 70* decimated the PBKS bowling lineup and sealed an easy win for KKR.
Gautam Gambhir (KKR) – 492 runs
Gambhir has been a mainstay for KKR, consistently delivering with the bat and leading from the front. His 492 runs are the most in PBKS vs KKR fixtures.
Wriddhiman Saha (PBKS) – 394 runs
Saha’s contributions, including a century, make him PBKS’s top scorer in this rivalry. Saha scored a fantastic knock in the final of 2014 however that came in a losing cause.
Sunil Narine (KKR) – 34 wickets
The mystery spinner has often troubled PBKS batters and holds the record for the most wickets in this fixture.
Piyush Chawla (PBKS) – 24 wickets
The leg-spinner was instrumental for PBKS during his stint and remains the highest wicket-taker for them in this matchup.
Punjab Kings head into IPL 2025 with a powerful and dynamic squad, led by the ever-reliable Shreyas Iyer. Iyer’s calm yet aggressive leadership style, coupled with his ability to anchor the innings, makes him the ideal captain for PBKS. His partnership with Marcus Stoinis, who brings immense power-hitting capabilities and all-round skills, makes the Kings a dangerous team with the bat.
The presence of Glenn Maxwell provides PBKS with a genuine match-winner. Maxwell’s explosive batting and handy off-spin make him an invaluable asset, especially on pitches offering turn. The Kings also have a solid core of Indian talent with Nehal Wadhera and Prabhsimran Singh, both of whom are capable of delivering big performances at the top of the order. Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis adds further depth and reliability to their middle order.
In the bowling department, PBKS have one of the most lethal attacks in the competition. The pace duo of Lockie Ferguson and Marco Jansen will be responsible for rattling opposition batters with their raw pace and bounce. Arshdeep Singh’s ability to swing the ball and deliver in the death overs makes him a key asset.
To complement their pace attack, PBKS have the seasoned Yuzvendra Chahal leading the spin department. Chahal’s ability to take wickets in the middle overs will be crucial to breaking partnerships and controlling the game. With Harpreet Brar and Pravin Dubey adding spin variety, PBKS have a well-rounded bowling attack.
Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Squad
Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis, Harnoor Pannu, Pyla Avinash, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Sen, Xavier Bartlett, Pravin Dubey.
Kolkata Knight Riders will enter IPL 2025 with a target on their back as the defending champions. While KKR were able to maintain most of their core a big question mark surrounding them is captaincy.
They will be without their IPL winning captain Shreyas Iyer who parted ways in the mega auction. Ajinkya Rahane is replacing Iyer as the captain however given his form in T20s, doubts loom large over Rahane. Additionally, there's a lack of opening depth after losing out on opener Phil Salt.
KKR IPL 2025 squad:
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Umran Malik.
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