IPL 2025: Powell, Sakariya debut for KKR as PBKS elect to bat

IANS April 26, 2025 256 views

The IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders promises exciting cricket at Eden Gardens. KKR has introduced two new players, Rovman Powell and Chetan Sakariya, in hopes of boosting their performance. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat first, noting some visible cracks in the pitch. Both teams are looking to make a strong statement in this crucial tournament encounter.

"It's all about playing good cricket, need to chase down whatever the target is." - Ajinkya Rahane, KKR Captain
Kolkata, April 26: Punjab Kings (PBKS) won the toss and elected to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 44 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, here at the Eden Gardens.

Key Points

1

Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS after winning toss and choosing to bat

2

Rovman Powell and Chetan Sakariya make KKR debut

3

Eden Gardens hosts high-stakes IPL encounter

4

Both teams aim to improve their tournament performance

For PBKS, Azmatullah Omarzai and Glenn Maxwell comes in for Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett, whereas for KKR Rovman Powell and Chetan Sakariya replace Moeen Ali and Ramandeep Singh.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer said, "We are batting first. Since we are playing on the same wicket they played on. Can see a few cracks, will get an idea on how its playing. It's always been great to play in front of this crowd. Another day to come here and embrace. We have been getting brilliant starts. We are talking about a few situations, need to play to our best ability and believe in ourselves. I want the bowlers to take wickets, it changes the momentum."

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane said, "It's all about playing good cricket, need to chase down whatever the target is. Our bowling has been bowling really well. They have improved a lot. The boys have disappointed with the bat, but need to be brave in this format. Our batting unit needs to do well in this game. We have been playing good cricket in patches. It's all about living in the moment and be positive."

Playing XIs:

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer(c), Josh Inglis(w), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Substitutes: Harpreet Brar, Musheer Khan, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Suryansh Shedge, Praveen Dubey

Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Vaibhav Arora, Chetan Sakariya, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Impact Substitutes: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Anrich Nortje, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Excited to see Powell in KKR colors! His power hitting could be exactly what they need in the middle order. Hope Sakariya gets some wickets too 🤞 #KKR #IPL2025
P
Priya S.
Not sure about dropping Ramandeep - he was doing decently in the last few matches. But let's see how the new players perform. Eden Gardens pitch looks interesting today!
A
Amit D.
PBKS batting first is the right call. Their openers have been in great form this season. Hope Maxwell fires today after that disappointing last match. #PBKSForever
S
Shreya M.
Interesting team changes! But I feel KKR's batting still looks shaky. Rahane needs to lead from the front today. The pressure is really on after those last two losses 😬
V
Vikram J.
Why is PBKS still persisting with Prabhsimran when they have Musheer Khan on bench? He's been inconsistent throughout the season. Otherwise strong lineup though! #IPL2025
N
Neha R.
Can't wait for Russell vs Maxwell showdown! These two always bring the fireworks when they face each other. Hoping for a high-scoring thriller at Eden Gardens tonight 🔥

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