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Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL Tips - Big hitters a ray of hope for Kolkata

By Sridhar Bhamidi

30 Mar 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 30 Mar 2023

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Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL match predictions to be played in Mohali on Saturday, April 1 at 3:30pm IST
Kolkata Knight Riders have won 20 of 30 matches against Punjab Kings
Kolkata have hit the most 6s of the match than Punjab in 5 of the last 7 matches between the sides
Umesh Yadav has taken 3+ wickets in 4 of his last 6 matches against Punjab Kings
Can Kolkata brave the absence of Shreyas Iyer and start with a win in IPL 2023?

Can KKR brush off Shreyas Iyer absence and win against Punjab Kings? (GettyImages)

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL Tips

Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders couldn’t have been more similar. Both are looking for a re-start under new captain and team management as IPL 2023 kicks off. They play their first match against each other on Saturday at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali starting from 3:30pm IST.

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL Tips
Head to Head
Punjab Kings Form
Punjab Kings Team News
Kolkata Knight Riders Form
Kolkata Knight Riders Team News

It is tough to predict which side has the advantage coming into this match as both Punjab and Kolkata are grappling with absences. The firepower that KKR has gives them a boost and I am backing them to score the most 6s of the match.

Punjab Kings have lost 6 of their last 8 matches against Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL)
Punjab Kings have posted the highest opening partnership of the match in 4 of their last 5 matches against Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL)
Kolkata Knight Riders have hit the most 6s of the match in 5 of their last 7 matches against Punjab Kings (IPL)
Umesh Yadav has taken 3 or more wickets in 4 of his last 6 matches against Punjab Kings (IPL)

Head to Head

Of the 30 matches played between Punjab and Kolkata in the IPL, the Knight Riders have won 20 while losing only 10. The record is slightly closer at this venue with KKR winning four of the seven matches in Mohali against Punjab.

Last season saw these sides play only once with Kolkata easing to a six-wicket win. Umesh Yadav took four wickets and was the player of the match while Andre Russell smashed a 31-ball unbeaten 70 in the 138-run chase that ended in 14.3 overs.

Punjab Kings Form

The Kings went for a complete overhaul as they look for a first playoffs since 2014. Shikhar Dhawan has been named as the captain while Trevor Bayliss comes in place of Anil Kumble as coach.

Punjab went all guns blazing to buy Sam Curran in the player auction while the utility all-rounder Sikandar Raza has also been snapped.

Jonny Bairstow has been ruled out of the tournament as the England cricket board wanted him to get fully fit for the Ashes. Matthew Short has been signed as a replacement.

Punjab Kings Team News

Punjab Kings will be without Kagiso Rabada for this match with the Proteas fast bowler set to play for his national team. Liam Livingstone also misses the game as he continues his rehab following a knee surgery,

Kolkata Knight Riders Form

Kolkata finished a disappointing seventh last season and are looking for a quick bounce. With regular captain Shreyas Iyer ruled out for at least the first half of the tournament, Nitish Rana has been named as stand-by captain.

They also have a new coach in Chandrakant Pandit who replaces Brendon McCullum. Their off-season activity involved getting Shardul Thakur, Gurbaz Mann, and Lockie Ferguson on trades.

Shreyas’ absence means KKR could be without a strong Indian batter. That may put pressure on captain Rana to deliver consistently.

Kolkata Knight Riders Team News

KKR will be without Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das for this match as the Bangladesh duo are on national duty.

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL FAQs

Where can I watch the Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL live stream.

What time does Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL start?

This Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL match is being played at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali at 3:30pm IST on Saturday, April 1.

Verdict

It is a strange situation for both Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders who are going through new regimes. Punjab will hope they can catch Kolkata cold, but the visitors have enough strike power to make a meal out of it. I am backing KKR to post the most match 6s while Umesh Yadav commands a small wager to be their best bowler.

With the tournament offering new rules like impact player, keep an eye on who’s getting in and out during the substitution process. That could decide your intra-game picks.