Gurbaz, Ramandeep Out; Nortje Returns: KKR's Strongest Playing XI vs PBKS

Debashis Sarangi

KKR will face PBKS tonight [Source: AP]KKR will face PBKS tonight [Source: AP]

This evening, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will cross swords against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match number 44 of the IPL 2025 tournament. The high-octane clash will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR have been disappointing across three departments of the game. They have lost five of their eight matches, languishing at seventh in the ten-team standings. 

The failure of their middle order batters has been a major concern for KKR in IPL 2025. While skipper Ajinkya Rahane has led from the front, the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Andre Russell have failed to fire. 

Considering the upcoming clash against Punjab holds significant importance for them, here's how KKR can form a more formidable combination for this match. 

Gurbaz Out; Iyer, Raghuvanshi To Bat Up The Order

Criterion
Iyer at 3 in IPL
Raghuvanshi at 4 in IPL
Innings154
Runs562135
Average43.2345
Strike Rate168.77145.16
  • As shown in the above table, Venkatesh Iyer has been a prolific performer at 3 in IPL. However, interestingly, the southpaw hasn't batted at 3 for a single time this season. With Sunil Narine opening the batting with the keeper-batter, Ajinkya Rahane has claimed the number three position. 
  • This has affected Iyer's performance, as the batter has amassed just 135 runs at a modest average of 22.5. 
  • Furthermore, Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been wasted, batting much lower the order a few times. He has looked sublime at number four and should be given a consistent run at that position. 
  • Neither Quinton de Kock nor Rahmanullah Gurbaz has assured KKR as a reliable opener. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is a designated opener and can promote himself, so that Iyer and Raghuvanshi can be slotted at 3 and 4, respectively. 
  • This would ensure solidity in KKR's batting lineup, enabling them to set a foundation for the finishers, who can capitalise on the start to give them the final flourish. If Gurbaz sits out, KKR can rope in Luvnith Sisodia (314 runs, average 31.40, SR 139.56 in Maharaja Premier League 2024) and use him as a floater. 

No Place For Ramandeep, Make Room For Rovman Powell

  • Swashbuckling finisher Ramandeep Singh has registered a string of low scores in the IPL 2025. Overall, he has slammed 30 runs across five outings at an average of 7.50 and a strike rate of 115.38. 
  • So, considering his ordinary performance, the defending champions should exclude him and bring dynamic West Indies batter Rovman Powell into the mix. 
  • In 79 T20I innings, Powell, an excellent hitter of pace, has clobbered 1747 runs at a blistering strike rate of 140.32. With Andre Russell and Rinku Singh struggling to score consistently, Powell can be a really good addition to the KKR batting unit. 

Moeen Ali To Be Replaced By Anrich Nortje

In their previous game, KKR brought Moeen Ali back in place of Anrich Nortje. However, the English all-rounder couldn't do much with bat and ball, recording a duck and going wicketless. 

Also, given that PBKS have exceptional players of off-spin who struggle against raw pace, KKR should consider replacing Moeen with the South African speedster. 

KKR's Strongest Playing XI vs PBKS

Case-1: If KKR bat first

Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Luvnith Sisodia (WK), Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje
Impact Player: Varun Chakravarthy for Rovman Powell in 2nd innings

Case-2: If KKR bowl first

Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Luvnith Sisodia (WK), Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakravarthy
Impact Player: Rovman Powell for Varun Chakravarthy in 2nd innings