Why is Marcus Stoinis not playing PBKS vs KKR IPL 2025 match? Check PBKS Playing XI

Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are set to square up against each other in the 31st game of the Indian Premier League 2025 on Tuesday. Punjab Kings, currently sitting at the sixth spot, are searching for their fourth win of the season. They would have earned that win in the last game against SRH but Abhishek Sharma’s onslaught ruined all their aspirations.

Nevertheless, Shreyas Iyer and Co. will be keen to make a strong comeback against KKR. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer won the toss a little while ago and opted to bat first. Notably, Punjab’s power-hitter Marcus Stoinis didn't find a place in the eleven. Shreyas Iyer didn’t mention any reason behind his exclusion, which suggests that he has been dropped. Australia's Josh Inglis has been added to the eleven in place of him. 

Marcus Stoinis played a handy cameo of 33 runs in 11 balls in the last game but, unfortunately, missed out, today. Glenn Maxwell, who has been enduring a rough patch, however, has retained his place in the eleven. For the unversed, Punjab’s fast bowler, Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the IPL 2025 due to an injury. Australian seamer Xavier Bartlett has also been included in the playing XI for this clash.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders are sitting at fifth with three wins in six games. Ajinkya Rahane and Co. are coming into this game on the back of an eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings. They are riding high on confidence and will be keen to carry on with the winning momentum. Meanwhile, they have made one change with their frontline pacer Anrich Nortje making his way into the XI at the expense of Moeen Ali. 

Here’s a look at the playing XI of both teams: 

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal