In a clever tactical decision for the highly expected KKR vs PBKS IPL 2025 game at Eden Gardens, Punjab Kings (PBKS) called the toss and decided to bat first, the first such move this season in which a team decided to make a score at this historic stadium.
Shreyas Iyer, who was leading PBKS, mentioned visible cracks on the Kolkata pitch as the primary reason for the decision. In his opinion, the surface appeared dry and might worsen as the match went on. Also, with a light evening wind and fewer possibilities of dew, PBKS expected good bowling conditions in the second innings.
This was the third game on this pitch this season, and the experts have described the pitch as “tired” and “spin-friendly.” PBKS retained Harpreet Brar on the bench as an Impact Player for additional spin strength.
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Team Changes: Maxwell and Omarzai Return for PBKS
Realizing the value of spin in the modern game, Punjab Kings recalled all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who is renowned for his ability to play spin bowling. Azmatullah Omarzai was also recalled to the playing XI, bolstering the pace and all-round department. Marcus Stoinis was omitted to make room for the Aussie spinner.
PBKS Playing XI:
Prabhsimran Singh
Priyansh Arya
Shreyas Iyer (captain)
Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper)
Shashank Singh
Nehal Wadhera
Glenn Maxwell
Azmatullah Omarzai
Marco Jansen
Yuzvendra Chahal
Arshdeep Singh
Impact Player Choices: Harpreet Brar, Musheer Khan, Praveen Dubey, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Suryansh Shedge
KKR Makes Big Statements: Powell and Sakariya Make Debuts in Do-or-Die Match
For Kolkata Knight Riders, this IPL 2025 match was a do-or-die match. In an attempt to give their campaign a boost, KKR brought two newcomers: Rovman Powell and Chetan Sakariya. Having secured only three wins in eight matches, title-holders KKR were languishing at number seven on the points table.
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Captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to mix the playing combination, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi was most probably going to be the Impact Player of the team. To everyone’s surprise, retained player Ramandeep Singh did not play either in the playing XI or as a replacement.
KKR Playing XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper)
Sunil Narine
Venkatesh Iyer
Ajinkya Rahane (captain)
Rinku Singh
Andre Russell
Rovman Powell
Vaibhav Arora
Chetan Sakariya
Harshit Rana
Varun Chakravarthy
Impact Player Options: Anrich Nortje, Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Luvnith Sisodia
Points Table Situation: PBKS Target Playoffs, KKR Survival Mode
Having 10 points from eight games and a match in hand, Punjab Kings sit fifth and firmly in the playoff hunt. Contrarily, KKR, at seventh position, are in a survival mode and need a victory to remain afloat in IPL 2025.
Last Word: All Eyes on Eden for a High-Stakes Encounter
KKR vs PBKS IPL 2025 match at Eden Gardens would be a real turning point moment for both of them. In conditions suited to spin and new strategies implemented on both sides, the spectators await an engrossing, calculating contest.
ALSO READ: IPL: Top 4 Bowlers Who Picked Up Most Wickets In First Over
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