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Punjab Kings, under Shreyas Iyer, defeated Mumbai Indians to secure a spot in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1. The team made its first playoffs appearance since 2014, backed by solid performances from Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis. MI now sees the loss as a lesson for the upcoming playoffs.

Punjab Kings Secure IPL 2025 Qualifier Spot

Under Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings achieved a crucial win over Mumbai Indians, securing IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 spot. Iyer credited coach Ricky Ponting and key players Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis for their playoff success, marking Punjab's first appearance since 2014.

Shreyas Iyer thanked Ricky Ponting after securing a spot in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, clinched an IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 spot with a win over Mumbai Indians. Iyer praised coach Ricky Ponting and highlighted key performances by Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis. MI's Hardik Pandya sees this loss as a learning lesson.

Punjab Kings' skipper Shreyas Iyer on Monday thanked head coach Ricky Ponting for giving him the "freedom to go out and express myself" as the side sealed a spot in the Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 with a convincing seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians here.
Iyer joined PBKS after guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title last season, and he made an instant impact, guiding the Punjab outfit to its first-ever playoffs since 2014.
"The camaraderie has been there for the past few years between Ricky and I, he gives me a lot of freedom. He lets me be decisive on the field, all these things have culminated in a great way," Iyer said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
"Every individual stepped up at the right time. Starting from game one, we've been in the mindset of wanting to win despite the situation. We've had players putting their hands up when we were in the dumps. Kudos to support staff and management too.
"Ricky has been fantastic with player management; it's important for me to get trust too. That happened with the wins early on. Had conversations with them too. You have to maintain good relationships throughout. I feel the dressing room has been top notch throughout. When you are down in the dumps, it is easy to backstab each other," he added.
Iyer also lauded Priyansh Arya (62 off 35 balls) and Josh Inglis (73 off 42) for their brilliant knocks.
"The way Priyansh started was fabulous; young players are fearless. They tick the boxes in the nets; the effects of the prep is now showing on the field.
"Inglis is the only player whose position has been chopping and changing. Since he loves playing the new ball, I wanted him to play more deliveries. It worked wonders. We know he's destructive and a big-match player with a great attitude," he said.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya believed they were 20 runs short of what could have been a winning score.
"The way the wicket played, we were definitely 20 runs short. That happens, we've been playing really good cricket, we couldn't play our best cricket.
"We were definitely 20 runs short. We could have capitalised either at the start or in the middle; we'll figure it out," he said.
Pandya said it was a wake-up call for MI before they head into the playoffs.
"IPL is like that; this franchise has won five trophies, and it has always been tough. Anytime you take your leg off the accelerator, the other teams are also keen to win. The message would be simple: This was just a blip; learn from this and look forward to the knockouts," he said.
He said MI's bowling unit was not clinical on Monday.
"They really took on certain balls whenever we erred, and I don't think as a bowling unit we were clinical; we gave some balls that they really capitalised and at certain times, they played some good shots as well.
"Overall, we were not up to the mark."

The IPL 2025 league stage sees Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and RCB vying fiercely for a top-two finish. The MI vs PBKS clash is critical as teams aim for direct playoff entry.

IPL 2025: MI and PBKS Battle for Top Spots

As IPL 2025's league stage nears its close, contenders like MI, PBKS, GT, and RCB battle fiercely for a top-two finish. MI and PBKS face off soon, with the winner securing a guaranteed top position.

IPL 2025: tension mounts as MI and PBKS clash for top spots

MI, PBKS, GT, and RCB battle for IPL top-two spots. Crucial PBKS vs MI game; winner secures top position. GT awaits outcomes with 18 points.

Race to Top-Two Finish Heats Up as IPL 2025 Nears League Stage Conclusion
As the IPL 2025 league stage reaches its penultimate phase, the battle for a coveted top-two finish intensifies, with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the forefront. The five-time champions, MI, sit at 16 points, trailing marginally behind PBKS, who have accumulated 17 points. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remain in contention with 18 and 17 points, respectively.
In a stunning turn of events, GT suffered a crushing 83-run defeat against Chennai Super Kings, concluding their league journey at 18 points. With just two games remaining, all four of these teams are vying for a top-two finish, which grants a direct entry into Qualifier 1 of the playoffs.
The most critical fixture, however, is the impending clash between PBKS and MI on Monday. The victor of this match will safely clinch a top-two spot. A win for PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, will catapult them to 19 points. Conversely, a victory for MI would elevate them to 18 points, surpassing GT on superior Net Run Rate (NRR).
Currently, MI commands the best NRR among contenders at 1.292, with PBKS trailing at 0.327. Here&rsquo;s what each team needs to do to ensure a top-two finish:
Mumbai Indians (16 pts, 1.292 NRR):
- Win: Secures a top-two finish due to superior NRR compared to GT. - Lose: Misses out on the top two, as PBKS will climb to 19 points, with GT already at 18.
Punjab Kings (17 pts, 0.327 NRR):
- Win: Guarantees a top-two position, preventing any challenge from GT and keeping RCB at bay unless they reach 19 points. - Lose: Must depend on RCB failing to capture a win by a large margin.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (17 pts, 0.255 NRR):
- Win: Ensures a top-two finish, bypassing GT and potentially pushing PBKS to rely on NRR. - Lose: Needs a PBKS loss to MI and a favorable NRR comparison against GT.
Gujarat Titans (18 pts, 0.254 NRR):
- With their league stage concluded, GT&rsquo;s prospects hinge on the outcomes of MI, PBKS, and RCB&rsquo;s final games. At least one from MI or PBKS and RCB needs to falter for GT to maintain a top-two standing.
The final matches promise a gripping contest as MI and PBKS hold the reins to their fate, while RCB and GT await unfolding developments. As IPL 2025 shifts steadily into its playoff phase, anticipation builds for dramatic finishes, unpredictable outcomes, and cricketing fireworks.

High-stakes IPL match as Shreyas Iyer returns to Eden Gardens with Punjab Kings, facing off against his former team KKR. Punjab aims to cement a playoff spot, while KKR fights for consistency.

PBKS led by Shreyas Iyer to play against KKR at Eden Gardens

In a crucial IPL encounter, Shreyas Iyer returns to Eden Gardens with Punjab Kings to face his former team KKR. Punjab is keen on securing a playoff spot under Iyer's leadership, while KKR strives for consistency in their home ground performance.

Shreyas Iyer leads Punjab at Eden Gardens against KKR

Shreyas Iyer returns to Eden Gardens leading Punjab Kings against his former team KKR. Punjab aims to secure a playoff berth, with Iyer in top form. KKR's inconsistency and home pitch challenges complicate their playoff quest.

The man who led them to glory just a season ago could now stand in the way of Kolkata Knight Riders' playoff qualification when the side hosts the Shreyas Iyer-led revamped Punjab Kings in a high-stakes IPL clash here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Twelve months ago, Iyer had led KKR to their first IPL title in a decade. On Saturday, he returns in opposition colours, at the helm of a rejuvenated Punjab side chasing a playoff spot.
Let go by KKR in one of the most surprising off-season moves, Iyer has found both comfort and purpose in Punjab Kings.
Reuniting with his old Delhi Capitals mentor Ricky Ponting, the duo has steadied PBKS into the top five of the table with five wins from eight games.
The partnership has given Iyer the space to lead confidently and he has tallied 263 runs with three half-centuries so far. However, he comes into the weekend game, carrying three single digit scores.
Saturday offers him the perfect chance to make a statement -- much like KL Rahul did the other against his former franchise Lucknow Super Giants with a composed 57 not out.
Iyer too could have a Rahul-like moment under the Eden lights.
KKR, on the other hand, are in desperate need of momentum.
With five defeats in eight matches, another stumble could tighten their already narrow path to the playoffs.
Their top-order remains unsettled, the middle-order erratic, and the spin attack ineffective on a surface they once called their fortress.
KKR's middle-order trio of Russell, Rinku and Ramandeep has failed to deliver the finishing punch this season, prompting calls for a shake-up.
The team may be forced to bring in Caribbean all-rounder Rovman Powell, whose power-hitting and handy pace can add much-needed spark and balance.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi, one of the few bright spots in KKR's batting, might once again look to negotiate the tricky phase when the likes of Arshdeep Singh (Punjab's leading wicket-taker with 11 scalps) and Yuzvendra Chahal operate.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane too will be under the scanner, having anchored the innings well at times but struggled to shift gears and finish games.
He will be wary of Yuzvendra Chahal, who dismantled KKR in their demoralising 95 all-out collapse only last week by claiming the wickets of Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh in a devastating spell.
With Marco Jansen providing the early menace and new find Nehal Wadhera managing tidy finishes, PBKS certainly look a more confident and well-rounded outfit.
For KKR's bowling unit, Harshit Rana's duel with PBKS opener Priyansh Arya could set the tone. Arya smashed a century against Chennai Super Kings earlier this season.
Despite their troubles, KKR are, however, still alive in the playoffs race.
Winning five of their remaining six games could be sufficient, but anything less would leave them dependent on other results.
For this to happen, KKR must fix their home record, which is just one win from four matches here.
The much-publicised friction with Eden curator Sujan Mukherjee over pitch preparations has drawn unwanted attention and debates over spin-friendly surfaces, fairness, and even calls from commentators to consider shifting base.
Despite it being slow and grippy, which is exactly what KKR wanted, Sunil Narine has taken just two wickets at the Eden. Varun Chakravarthy (4) has been marginally better, while Moeen Ali has failed to strike in two matches.
Teams (from): &nbsp;
KKR: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia, Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and Chetan Sakariya.
PBKS: Shreyas Iyer (c), Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Harpreet Brar, Vishnu Vinod, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Pyla Avinash, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Harnoor Pannu, Aaron Hardie, Priyansh Arya, Azmatullah Omarzai.
Match starts: 7.30pm.

SRH seeks to bounce back against high-flying Punjab Kings. With a formidable batting lineup faltering, SRH needs brighter performances from stars like Travis Head and Ishan Kishan.

SRH vs. Punjab Kings: Big IPL Clash Ahead

SRH is eager to end their losing streak against Punjab Kings in their next IPL clash. Their aggressive batting strategy needs tweaking, while Punjab, under Shreyas Iyer, looks confident and strong.

SRH seeks to bounce back against high-flying Punjab Kings

Sunrisers Hyderabad aim to reverse their losing streak as they face the in-form Punjab Kings in their next IPL match, needing stronger performances from key players and improved game tactics.

In a bid to halt a concerning downward spiral, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are eager to turn their fortunes around as they prepare to host the formidable Punjab Kings in their next IPL fixture on Saturday.
Last season's runners-up, SRH kicked off their 2025 campaign with a bang, posting a colossal 286 runs to decisively defeat Rajasthan Royals by 44 runs.
Their explosive batting line-up, touted as one of the tournament's most potent, initially seemed poised to make history by breaking the 300-run barrier. However, their hyper-aggressive batting approach has dramatically backfired since that opening triumph.
In the subsequent three matches, SRH's relentless attacking strategy resulted in subpar totals of 163, 120, and 152, leading to heavy defeats and leaving them stranded at the bottom of the points table. Compounding their woes, they currently have the worst Net Run Rate in the league at -1.629.
For Sunrisers Hyderabad, improved performances from marquee players such as Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen are imperative.
Head, whose dynamic starts were key last season, has struggled to find form with a highest partnership of only 15 runs.
His performances have dwindled, with scores of 67, 47, 22, 4, and 8. Abhishek Sharma, too, has yet to hit his stride, his highest score being a modest 24 in five innings.
After an unbeaten century in the opener, Ishan Kishan has not been able to replicate his form, while middle-order stalwart Heinrich Klaasen is yet to make a substantial impact.
Despite these struggles, SRH seems committed to their aggressive playing style. Head coach Daniel Vettori advocates for improved game awareness while maintaining their strategic philosophy.
"I think we know the style is going to work, but we have to respect conditions, and we have to assess really well and that's probably something we haven't done," Vettori noted.
While SRH's batting issues have been a focal point, their bowling attack has also underperformed.
Despite seasoned pacers like Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, and Harshal Patel, SRH have struggled to secure early breakthroughs or apply pressure during the middle overs.
In contrast, Punjab Kings are enjoying early success under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer.
His proficiency with the bat and tactical acumen have propelled the team to three victories in four matches, earning them a spot in the upper tier of the points table.
Adding to Punjab's dynamism is rising star Priyansh Arya, who electrified spectators with a stunning century against CSK, where others faltered.
As SRH look to regain their competitiveness, the upcoming clash promises to test their resolve against a Punjab Kings side brimming with confidence and form.

Punjab Kings excelled in IPL with an eight-wicket win over Lucknow. Kane Williamson praised their strategic depth, balance, and leadership.

Williamson Praises Punjab Kings' IPL 2025 Performance

Kane Williamson lauds Punjab Kings for their exceptional performance in IPL. Their strategic gameplay and strong leadership under Shreyas Iyer highlight their path to victory over Lucknow Super Giants, proving them as formidable contenders this season.

Punjab Kings secured a commanding victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Kane Williamson praised their balance, leadership, and strategic depth.

Punjab Kings showcased their prowess by securing a commanding eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The win has propelled them to second place in the points table, underscoring their formidable presence in the league's 18th edition.
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, while speaking on Jio Hotstar, heaped praise on the Punjab Kings for their cohesive playing style and strategic depth. He highlighted the team's balanced squad and strong leadership, which have been pivotal to their impressive start this season.
"There&rsquo;s a palpable buzz around Punjab Kings," Williamson remarked. "The balance of their squad has been a hot topic among players and pundits alike. But beyond the balance, it's their seamless gameplay and mutual support on the field that truly stand out."
Williamson singled out Shreyas Iyer, lauding his confident and focused leadership. "At the moment, they are possibly the team to watch out for&mdash;extremely well-led. Shreyas Iyer is marching to the beat of his own drum, unfazed by external pressures and wholly immersed in his game," he noted.
He continued, "Iyer carries a swagger that's infectious, clearly elevating the performance of those around him. Remarkably, they've already utilized 14 players in just two games, showcasing a strategic deployment of their diverse talents, with each player making significant contributions."
The synergy within the Punjab Kings became evident as opener and wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh, along with captain Shreyas Iyer, both notched up crucial fifties to guide their team to victory. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant's Lucknow Super Giants have slipped to sixth position following this setback.
Kane Williamson summarized, "It's truly impressive to see how the team is coming together,&rdquo; cementing Punjab Kings as formidable contenders this season.

Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS to a record start in IPL 2025, surpassing MS Dhoni's captaincy streak, showcasing remarkable team synergy and a winning mindset.

Shreyas Iyer's Record-Breaking Leadership in IPL

In IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS to a perfect start, breaking MS Dhoni's record for consecutive wins. His leadership emphasizes team synergy and a winning mindset, positioning PBKS as a strong contender.

Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS to a record start in IPL 2025, surpassing MS Dhoni's captaincy streak

Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS to a strong IPL 2025 start with two wins, breaking MS Dhoni's record for consecutive victories. Emphasizing team synergy, Iyer's focus is on maintaining a winning mindset. His leadership brings promise to PBKS's title aspirations.

After leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to a title-winning campaign, Shreyas Iyer has swiftly taken charge as the captain of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
PBKS are off to an impeccable start this season, having won both of their opening matches in commanding fashion. Iyer has been instrumental in these victories, emerging as the team's leading run-scorer.
In the recent encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Iyer achieved a significant milestone by securing his eighth consecutive win as an IPL captain, surpassing the legendary MS Dhoni.
Dhoni, the former skipper of Chennai Super Kings, held the previous record with a streak of seven consecutive wins as captain in the 2013 season.
Iyer's winning streak combines victories from his time with KKR and his current leadership at PBKS. Following the win against LSG in Lucknow, Iyer expressed his delight with the team's strong start in the 18th edition of the T20 league.
While other franchises are still experimenting to find their best line-ups, Iyer emphasizes the importance of team camaraderie and synergy in achieving success.
"This is exactly the start we needed. The team performed their roles exceptionally well, with every player giving their best as per our discussions in the team meetings," Iyer remarked post-match.
"There's no definitive right combination. What matters is finding the right camaraderie and synergy, and for us, it's clicked at the right moment. I believe all teams have the potential to win games; the key is maintaining a winning mindset. Personally, I focus on staying in the moment. Even this innings is now history for me. My sights are set on the next challenge."
As the season progresses, Iyer's leadership and strategic acumen promise to make PBKS a formidable contender.

Sam Curran's decision to bowl first backfired as RCB finished at a mammoth 241/7, their highest score against PBKS in IPL history

IPL 2024, PBKS vs RCB: Bengaluru knock out Punjab with a 60-run victory in Dharamsala

Royal challengers Bengaluru's hopes of making it to IPL 2024 playoffs are well and truly alive as they thrashed the Punjab Kings by 60 runs in Dharamsala and knocked them out

<h2>Sam Curran's decision to bowl first backfired as RCB finished at a mammoth 241/7, their highest score against PBKS in IPL history</h2>

Royal challengers Bengaluru's hopes of making it to IPL 2024 playoffs are well and truly alive as they thrashed the Punjab Kings by 60 runs in Dharamsala and knocked them out.
Sam Curran's decision to bowl first backfired as RCB finished at a mammoth 241/7, their highest score against PBKS in IPL history.
Virat Kohli once again stood out with 92 while Rajat Patidar made a fiery 55.
Chasing which, PBKS lost Prabhsimran Singh early but Rilee Rossouw kept his team's hopes alive with a 27-ball-61.
However, once he got out, no other batter stood his ground as Punjab was bowled out for 181. Mohammed Siraj the chief destroyer with 3 wickets.
While RCB's campaign lives on with 4 consecutive wins, Punjab Kings' 4th consecutive loss in Dharamsala made them the 2nd team to be knocked out after the Mumbai Indians.

While CSK won their 2nd game in 2 outings and ended their 5-match losing run against PBKS, Punjab's IPL 2024 campaign now hangs by a thread

IPL 2024, PBKS vs CSK: Chennai defend 167; Punjab's campaign hangs by a thread

A target of 168 in Dharamsala is often a cakewalk but not when the team defending it is CSK. Chennai thrashed Punjab Kings by 28 runs on Sunday to return to winning ways and ended PBKS' 2-match winning run in IPL 2024.

<h2>While CSK won their 2nd game in 2 outings and ended their 5-match losing run against PBKS, Punjab's IPL 2024 campaign now hangs by a thread</h2>

A target of 168 in Dharamsala is often a cakewalk but not when the team defending it is CSK. Chennai thrashed Punjab Kings by 28 runs on Sunday to return to winning ways and ended PBKS' 2-match winning run in IPL 2024.
PBKS' decision to bowl first was the right call as CSK was reduced to 75/4 in 8.5 overs.
For a change, MS Dhoni was out for a golden duck but Ravindra Jadeja stood up with an all-round show.
Firstly, he helped CSK finish at 167/9 on back of a 26-ball-43 and then also spun his magic with the ball.
Jaddu picked up 3 wickets as Punjab could only manage 139/9 in 20 overs.
Tushar Deshpande rattled the hosts by cleaning up Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw in his very first over.
Last 4 batter did avoid PBKS from being bowled out but the loss was inevitable.
While CSK won their 2nd game in 2 outings and ended their 5-match losing run against PBKS, Punjab's IPL 2024 campaign now hangs by a thread.

Having put together a 138-run partnership off just 62 legal balls, Punjab breathed a sigh of relief when the Narine and Salt were eventually dismissed in their 70s, but even that was short-lived.

KKR vs PBKS: Narine, Salt & Co. annihilate Punjab, post highest IPL total at Eden Gardens

Carnage! That&rsquo;s what the crowd at the Eden Gardens witnessed as Sunil Narine and Phil Salt went berserk for the Kolkata Knight Riders. The duo have been outstanding in IPL 2024 and were once again, hell bent on sending the Punjab Kings on a leather hunt.
&nbsp;
 Sixes, fours, there was no shortage of boundaries as Sunil Narine continued his insane run at the top of the order. The all-rounder completed his fifty off just 23 balls to pile misery on the visitors. Phil Salt wasn&rsquo;t too far behind either. The Englishman too reached the half-century mark in 25 balls.
&nbsp;
 Having put together a 138-run partnership off just 62 legal balls, Punjab breathed a sigh of relief when the duo were eventually dismissed in their 70s.
&nbsp;
 But even that was short-lived. While they did manage to get Andre Russell out for a 12-ball 24, the two Iyers, Venkatesh and Shreyas took the Punjab bowlers to the cleaners at the death. While Shreyas smashed a 10-ball 28, including 3 sixes, Venkatesh Iyer&rsquo;s 39 off 23 ensured KKR posted a monumental 261/6 on the board.

<h2>Having put together a 138-run partnership off just 62 legal balls, Punjab breathed a sigh of relief when the Narine and Salt were eventually dismissed in their 70s, but even that was short-lived.</h2>

In an electrifying display of power-hitting, Sunil Narine and Phil Salt led a ferocious assault on the Punjab Kings' bowling lineup, leaving the spectators at Eden Gardens in awe during an IPL 2024 matchup. The Kolkata Knight Riders duo were relentless, showcasing their peak form and continuing their destructive streak in this season's tournament.
From the get-go, Narine unleashed an array of explosive shots, contributing significantly to the team's offensive onslaught. Demonstrating his excellent form, the all-rounder raced to a half-century in just 23 balls, wreaking havoc on the visiting bowlers. Close on his heels, Phil Salt, the dynamic English batsman, mirrored Narine's aggressive approach. Salt achieved his fifty from 25 deliveries, further intensifying the pressure on Punjab.
Together, Narine and Salt crafted a devastating 138-run partnership from a mere 62 balls, leaving the Punjab Kings desperate for a breakthrough. Their partnership was a spectacle of sheer dominance, featuring a barrage of sixes and fours, much to the delight of the home crowd. The duo's dismissal in the 70s offered a brief moment of respite for the beleaguered Punjab team.
However, any hope of a reprieve was quickly dashed as the Kolkata Knight Riders' batting depth came to the forefront. Although Punjab managed to claim the wicket of Andre Russell, who contributed a quick 24 off 12 balls, they were soon under siege again. The Iyers, Shreyas and Venkatesh, took command in the closing overs, propelling their team to an even higher score. Shreyas Iyer's rapid 28 from 10 balls, including three sixes, and Venkatesh Iyer&rsquo;s steady 39 off 23 balls, added further misery to the Punjab bowlers' statistics. Even as the southpaw got run out on the final ball of the innings, KKR had already mounted a formidable total of 261/6 on the scoreboard by then.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/t20-world-cup/india-s-2024-t20-world-cup-squad-no-virat-kohli-in-sanjay-manjrekar-s-15-man-team-1714129088649">India's 2024 T20 World Cup squad: No Virat Kohli in Sanjay Manjrekar's 15-man team</a>

Punjab Kings might receive a major boost in the form of captain Shikhar Dhawan returning to the playing XI, having missed the last 3 games for the franchise due to a shoulder injury.

IPL 2024: KKR vs PBKS preview - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings form guide, head-to-head record, team changes, weather, probable XI

The dominant Kolkata Knight Riders will look to close the gap with table-toppers Rajasthan Royals, when they face the perennial underachievers Punjab Kings in #IPL2024 on Friday evening.

IPL 2024: KKR vs PBKS preview - Form guide, head-to-head record, team changes, weather, probable XI

<h2>Captain Shikhar Dhawan will miss his 4th consecutive game for the Punjab Kings, with the visitors winless ever since he dropped out of the side due to his shoulder injury.</h2>

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), currently sitting comfortably in the top half of the standings, are gearing up to face the inconsistent Punjab Kings. This matchup is crucial for KKR as they aim to solidify their place near the top of the table, just four points behind the Rajasthan Royals. The match will also put KKR's costliest acquisition, Mitchell Starc, under the spotlight as he looks to improve his performance and justify his hefty price tag.
KKR's journey so far in the tournament has been significantly bolstered by their batting lineup. Top-order batters such as Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have delivered explosive starts, setting the stage for middle-order hitters like Andre Russell and captain Shreyas Iyer. Despite Iyer's relatively moderate strike rate of 126.66, his strategic contributions continue to be vital for the team. Additionally, Rinku Singh, despite limited opportunities, has managed a strike rate nearing 160, showcasing the depth and firepower within the KKR squad.
However, the team has faced setbacks, including Nitish Rana's finger fracture, which has deprived them of a key player against spin and a useful part-time bowler. This loss adds pressure on the remaining lineup to compensate, particularly in handling spin attacks.
On the bowling front, Sunil Narine remains a standout performer with an economy rate just above 7, an impressive feat in the current high-scoring environment. Nevertheless, even Narine has shown signs of vulnerability, particularly highlighted by Rajat Patidar's aggressive play in a recent outing. This vulnerability is a concern for KKR as they face a Punjab team with capable hitters like Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh, who have been in formidable form this season.
Mitchell Starc, in particular, faces intense scrutiny. His underperformance, characterized by an economy rate of 11.48, is alarming for a player bought at a record price of approximately USD 3 million. Starc's struggle to adapt his style to the demands of T20 cricket, especially at crucial death overs, is a glaring issue. He will need to diversify his bowling tactics, potentially incorporating slower deliveries to deceive batsmen.
As KKR prepares to face Punjab Kings, the contrast in team dynamics is stark. While KKR's strength lies in their robust top-order batting, Punjab has often relied on their uncapped players to rescue them from difficult situations. The absence of their captain Shikhar Dhawan has further weakened the visitors' batting.
Team News
While KKR are unlikely to make any changes, PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan is still nursing a shoulder injury and won't be available for this contest. It will be the 4th consecutive game he'll miss for PBKS.
Head-to-Head record
Historically, the KKR-PBKS clash has been a one-sided affair, with KKR winning 21 contests compared to Punjab's 11.
Weather Report
Hot and humid is what you get in Kolkata during the summers. With temperatures crossing 40&deg;C during the day, expect the evening to be a little better but still pretty warm. Despite a threat of a few showers during the day, we should get a full game.
Probable XIs
KKR Probable XI:&nbsp;Philip Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana
PBKS Probable XI:&nbsp;Sam Curran (c), Prabhmiran Singh, Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh
Full squads
Kolkata Knight Riders: Philip Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Suyash Sharma, Manish Pandey, Anukul Roy, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Allah Ghazanfar, Sakib Hussain, Sherfane Rutherford, Chetan Sakariya, Nitish Rana, Srikar Bharat, Dushmantha Chameera
Punjab Kings:&nbsp;Shikhar Dhawan (c), Sam Curran, Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma(w), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, Shivam Singh, Rishi Dhawan, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Atharva Taide, Jonny Bairstow, Nathan Ellis, Tanay Thyagarajan, Shikhar Dhawan, Chris Woakes, Sikandar Raza, Prince Choudhary, Vishwanath Singh
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/ipl/ipl-rishabh-pant-all-but-seals-world-cup-spot-after-blistering-88-dc-vs-gt-1714012913925">IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant all but seals World Cup spot after blistering 88*</a>
(With PTI inputs)

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