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Match 31 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) hosting Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh. Both teams are on a rollercoaster ride this season, with PBKS sitting sixth and KKR fourth in the points table. PBKS suffered a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last match, while KKR bounced back with an impressive win over Chennai Super Kings. The pitch in Chandigarh is expected to favor the batters, making it a high-scoring encounter. With both teams boasting explosive batting lineups and key match-winners, this promises to be a thrilling contest.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Number | 31 |
| Teams | Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Venue | Mullanpur, Chandigarh |
| Date & Time | Tuesday, 15 April 2025, 7:30 PM IST |
| Toss Prediction | Bat First |
| Weather | Hot and Hazy, No Rain Expected |
Team Previews
Punjab Kings Preview
Punjab Kings have been inconsistent but remain one of the most dangerous teams due to their explosive batting lineup. They lost their last game despite scoring 245 runs, highlighting issues with their bowling attack. Shreyas Iyer has been phenomenal, leading the run charts for PBKS with 250 runs in five games. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have provided strong starts, while Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh add firepower in the death overs. However, their middle order struggles persist, with Glenn Maxwell yet to make a significant impact.
The bowlers had a torrid time against SRH, with Arshdeep Singh being the lone bright spot. Lockie Ferguson’s injury adds further uncertainty to their pace department. If they can address these concerns, PBKS could turn the tide in their favor.
Kolkata Knight Riders Preview
KKR’s campaign has been a mixed bag, alternating between wins and losses. Their recent victory over CSK showcased their adaptability, especially with Rinku Singh moving up the order to No. 4. Sunil Narine continues to be a game-changer with both bat and ball, while Ajinkya Rahane provides stability in the middle order. Andre Russell hasn’t fired yet, but his all-round capabilities make him a constant threat.
KKR’s spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Narine has been effective, and Harshit Rana’s early breakthroughs give them control in the powerplay. If Russell finds form and Quinton de Kock delivers, KKR can challenge any team.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | Strong batting lineup, home advantage, and Shreyas Iyer’s consistency tilt the scales slightly in PBKS’ favor. |
Why? : PBKS’ batting prowess makes them favorites, especially on a batting-friendly surface. Despite their bowling woes, their ability to post big totals gives them a slight edge. However, KKR’s balanced squad means this match could swing either way.
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Points Potential | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer (C) | Batsman | High | Leading scorer for PBKS; in supreme form. |
| Sunil Narine (VC) | All-Rounder | High | Impact player with both bat and ball. |
| Ajinkya Rahane | Batsman | Medium-High | Reliable contributor in KKR’s middle order. |
| Quinton de Kock | Wicketkeeper | Medium | Explosive starter for KKR. |
| Prabhsimran Singh | Batsman | Medium | Provides quick starts for PBKS. |
| Rinku Singh | Batsman | Medium | Effective finisher for KKR. |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | Medium-High | Key wicket-taker for PBKS. |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Bowler | Medium | Spin threat for KKR. |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler | Medium | Good in powerplay overs. |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-Rounder | Medium | Late-order hitter for PBKS. |
| Lockie Ferguson | Bowler | Medium | Pace option if fit. |
Explanation : This fantasy team combines top performers from both sides. Shreyas Iyer is picked as captain due to his stellar form, while Sunil Narine is chosen as vice-captain for his all-round abilities. The balance includes explosive batsmen, reliable bowlers, and impactful all-rounders.
Suggested Captain and Vice-Captain
- Captain : Shreyas Iyer
- Vice-Captain : Sunil Narine
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
- Glenn Maxwell – Struggling for form and not contributing significantly.
- Andre Russell – Yet to deliver substantial performances this season.
Probable Playing XIs
Punjab Kings
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Priyansh Arya | Batsman |
| Prabhsimran Singh | Wicketkeeper |
| Shreyas Iyer (c) | Batsman |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-Rounder |
| Nehal Wadhera | Batsman |
| Glenn Maxwell | All-Rounder |
| Shashank Singh | Batsman |
| Marco Jansen | Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler |
| Lockie Ferguson/Josh Inglis | Bowler/Wicketkeeper |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Bowler |
Kolkata Knight Riders
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | Wicketkeeper |
| Sunil Narine | All-Rounder |
| Ajinkya Rahane (c) | Batsman |
| Venkatesh Iyer | Batsman |
| Rinku Singh | Batsman |
| Moeen Ali | All-Rounder |
| Andre Russell | All-Rounder |
| Ramandeep Singh | Batsman |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler |
| Vaibhav Arora | Bowler |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Bowler |
Pitch Report
The pitch at Mullanpur is batting-friendly, offering good bounce and pace initially. Spinners may come into play later, but overall, it’s a high-scoring venue. Expect the team batting first to aim for 200+ runs.
Winner Prediction
Our Pick : Punjab Kings
While KKR are capable of pulling off an upset, PBKS’ superior batting depth and home advantage give them a narrow edge
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