IPL 2025: KKR look for redemption as PBKS arrive at Eden Gardens

Kolkata Knight Riders look like a shadow of their IPL 2024 selves, the team that lifted the title. With a captaincy overhaul, wins have been hard to come by for KKR in IPL 2025. Starting with a defeat against RCB at home, Kolkata have delivered only sporadic performances to secure three victories. However, five defeats, including three at home, have left the side languishing in the bottom half of the IPL 2025 points table. Despite this, with six matches remaining in the league stage, KKR still have a shot at reaching 16 points and staying in the hunt for a playoff spot. Their road to redemption begins with a home clash against Punjab Kings in the KKR vs PBKS IPL 2025 match.

KKR are still awaiting their middle-order to show up in IPL 2025

When KKR last faced PBKS and their former captain Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2025, the defending champions had a promising opportunity to revive their campaign. However, Punjab Kings shattered expectations by defending the lowest-ever total in IPL history, as Kolkata failed to chase down 111. Now, with the rematch set to take place at Eden Gardens, KKR will look to avenge that defeat and make the most of what could be their final shot at staying in the IPL 2025 playoff race. Interestingly, Ajinkya Rahane, who took over the captaincy following Shreyas Iyer's exit, has been the most consistent performer for the team this season.

The loss against PBKS followed by a defeat against Gujarat Titans at home highlighted the puddle in the middle-order of the defending champions. Venkatesh Iyer, the costliest pick for KKR at the IPL 2025 mega auction, has not performed promisingly. Barring a 60-run knock against SRH and a 45 against LSG, Iyer has not showed up for his team in the hour of need. The franchise showed their faith in him by retaining him over Shubman Gill before the 2022 season and doubling down with a big investment in the 2025 auction. Yet, his returns have been disappointing, three single-digit scores in six innings, along with a sluggish 14 off 19 against GT. Rinku Singh appears to be in a slump, as does Ramandeep Singh. Andre Russell seems to be trying but the rhythm is not same as the previous seasons.

The top-order does not appear solid either. While Rahane tries, the skipper alone could rarely drive it home. After a string of disappointments, Quinton de Kock was dropped in favor of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. However, the transition is yet to bring positive returns at a time where Sunil Narine is also failing at the opening spot. Aiding Ajinkya Rahane is the youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi. However, much to the chagrin of the fans and fraternity, Raghuvanshi walked in at 9 in the KKR vs GT chase, at the point where the match had already slipped away from Kolkata's grasp. For KKR to redeem their standing in IPL 2025, the batting order needs to show up.

Can the defending champions turn things around in the KKR vs PBKS IPL 2025 match?

Now, with only six games remaining, KKR must win at least five to stay realistically in the hunt for the playoffs. Meanwhile, for PBKS, that dramatic victory over KKR could very well be the spark that turns their season around. With a win and a defeat against RCB at Chinnaswamy and Mullanpur respectively, PBKS have five wins from eight games and currently sit among the stronger contenders for a playoff berth.

PBKS need three more wins from their last six outings to feel secure in the top-four race. However, the burden of history still lingers, they haven’t reached the playoffs since 2014. Their batting has largely held up, but the middle order remains a soft spot that could determine whether they finish just in the top four or push for a top-two position. In their last two contests against KKR, PBKS have shown their contrasting strengths, pulling off the highest successful run chase in IPL history and also defending the lowest target successfully.

KKR, on the other hand, stage a greater struggle in the ongoing season. While the batting order struggles, Eden Gardens seem to have fallen out of favor for the home team. Despite eight players from their title-winning team still being part of the setup, the cohesion and energy they once displayed are clearly missing. In terms of current form, PBKS appear stronger with batters finding runs and bowlers hitting their stride, which is something KKR sorely lack.

Given the lack of quality depth on the KKR bench, major changes are unlikely despite two back-to-back defeats. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to continue opening the innings, with the only dilemma being the fourth overseas spot, Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson or Anrich Nortje. KKR’s struggles at the top are evident too, their opening partnership averages just 19 this season, the lowest in the league. However, what the defending champions are required to do is to dash the predictions. Fighting for 16 points is a more viable path to playoff qualification than finishing with 14 and relying on other teams to slip up.