IPL 2023: KKR vs PBKS Preview – Kolkata, Punjab aim to make a winning impression

Two-time IPL winners Kolkata Knight Riders will tussle against Punjab Kings in the second match of IPL 2023 at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on April 1. Both teams head into the fixture after an underwhelming showing last year, which saw them finish in the bottom half of the points table.

Searching for their maiden IPL title, Punjab Kings head into the campaign opener as the favourites despite several injury concerns in their squad. While explosive English batter Jonny Bairstow has been ruled out for the entirety of the tournament, his compatriot Liam Livingstone is still to get clearance from the ECB.

Head to head

However, the signing of star Australian Matthew Short could prove to be a decisive factor in the match. Apart from injuries, Shikhar Dhawan’s side will also take the field without Kagiso Rabada, who is on national duty for South Africa. Meanwhile, KKR’s camp has also been marred with injuries as Nitish Rana will lead the team in the absence of injured skipper Shreyas Iyer.

Bangladeshi star duo Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das will also miss KKR’s campaign opener due to their commitment to the national side. Kiwi speedster Lockie Ferguson is also a doubt for the upcoming fixture after reports of a hamstring issue to the pacer. 

Pitch and conditions

The surface in Mohali has traditionally assisted the batters as the pitch does not offer much to the bowlers. The team winning the toss would be inclined to bowl first at the venue as all three previous matches have been won by the chasing teams. 

Venue details: Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh

Last T20I match at the venue: IND- 208/6 (20 overs) | AUS- 211/6 (19.2 overs) 

Here’s the probable playing XI for Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders clash:

Punjab Kings:

The Punjab-based outfit will take the field under new skipper Shikhar Dhawan for the first time in IPL 2023. All the eyes will be on IPL’s record INR 18.50 crore signing Sam Curran, who was roped in by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2023 auction.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Nitish Rana will have to rely on the veteran fast-bowling duo of Umesh Yadav and Tim Southee to do the job with the new ball and will hope that the top order comes to the party this time around.