Match: Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Date: Saturday, 26 April 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Captain: Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders)
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Today’s Match Preview
Match 44 of TATA IPL 2025 brings us an exciting clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). What makes this contest even more interesting is that Ajinkya Rahane, KKR’s captain, has a long and consistent record against Punjab.
With both teams locked in the middle of the points table, Rahane’s experience and past success against PBKS could be a game-changer, especially on a pitch like Eden Garden, which favors calm and technically sound batters.
Ajinkya Rahane vs PBKS – IPL Head-to-Head Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 22 |
| Innings | 21 |
| Not Outs | 3 |
| Runs | 522 |
| Highest Score | 98 |
| Batting Average | 29.00 |
| Strike Rate | 114.47 |
| 50s / 100s | 3 / 0 |
| Ducks | 1 |
| Fours / Sixes | 57 / 9 |
| Balls Faced | 456 |
Expert Analysis
Ajinkya Rahane may not be the flashiest name in T20 cricket, but his 522 runs against PBKS across 21 innings is proof of his reliability and adaptability. His highest score of 98 shows how close he has come to a century, and his three half-centuries reflect consistency.
While his strike rate of 115.03 isn’t explosive by T20 standards, Rahane plays a different role—providing stability and anchoring the innings. On pitches like Mullanpur where timing matters more than power, Rahane can thrive and steer the innings, especially if KKR lose early wickets.
Why Rahane vs PBKS Matters Today
- Leadership Role: He’s now the captain of KKR, and his batting form will directly impact the team’s rhythm.
- Experience: With over 500 runs against PBKS, he knows how to pace his innings against their attack.
- Pitch Conditions: The balanced pitch in Eden Garden suits his stroke-play and composure.
- Key Battle: Likely to face early overs from Arshdeep Singh and spin from Chahal—both requiring smart play.
Ajinkya Rahane may not be in the spotlight like the big hitters, but he remains a key contributor—especially when the team needs someone to guide the innings under pressure. Against Punjab Kings, his track record shows he’s more than capable of delivering again.
