KKR vs PBKS match prediction: Who will win IPL 2026 match 12 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings?

By Varun Verma

Published: 05 Apr 2026, 10:39 PM

Updated: 05 Apr 2026, 10:45 PM

KKR to face PBKS in IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens on April 6 (Image Source: X / @KKRiders and X / @PunjabKingsIPL)

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Match 12 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) will see Kolkata Knight Riders take on Punjab Kings at the iconic Eden Gardens on Monday, April 6.

Both sides have a different story in this tournament. One team is still searching for their first win, the other is already flying unbeaten.

KKR vs PBKS match preview

Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR are still looking for their first win in IPL 2026. Their bowling concerns have let them down on the previous two occasions.

However, there are a few positives as well. Finn Allen has been giving sensational starts, but he still needs to convert those innings into big ones. Apart from him, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, the 21-year-old young batter, has shown great promise with back-to-back half-centuries. Meanwhile, in the bowling department, a major disappointment is Varun Chakravarthy, who, despite having a lot of promises behind him, could not deliver the same.

Now, coming to Punjab Kings. They have been in phenomenal form this season with back-to-back wins. They are high on confidence. Led by Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings have successfully chased down targets in both of their outings. With a very handy top order where almost everyone is clicking. Even Iyer is back to form with a crisp half-century against CSK in the previous game. They are definitely looking to continue their sublime form.

KKR vs PBKS head-to-head record in IPL

Total Matches: 35
KKR Wins: 21
PBKS Wins: 13
No Result: 1

KKR vs PBKS pitch report

The Eden Gardens usually offers plenty of runs. Quick outfield, ball comes nicely onto the bat, and once batters settle, it becomes hard to stop them. There can be a bit of help for pacers early on, but it fades away quickly.

Spinners might get some grip, but overall, it’s a high-scoring venue and chasing teams mostly enjoy batting here. Teams will most likely choose bowling first on this venue.

KKR vs PBKS key players

Finn Allen (KKR) – Allen has been sensational with the bat. A similar performance was seen against SRH, where he scored 28 runs in just 7 deliveries, showing his power hitting. He will be crucial again at the top.

Priyansh Arya (PBKS) – Priyansh Arya played a solid knock, scoring 39 runs in just 11 balls against CSK. Another top-order batter who can be very vital coming into this game.

Blessing Muzarabani (KKR) – The Zimbabwean pacer has been showing great form in recent times. In the previous game, he picked up four wickets, one of the few positives for KKR this season. He will be crucial again.

Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) – The leg-spin maestro with 224 IPL wickets brings a lot of experience. He has been delivering consistently for Punjab and will be important once again.

KKR vs PBKS predicted playing XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders (bowling first): Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani

Impact Player: Finn Allen

Punjab Kings (bowling first): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Player: Priyansh Arya