KKR vs PBKS Playing 11, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Lineups, Starting XI, Impact Players

The 12th match of the TATA IPL 2026 brings an exciting clash to Eden Gardens as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) prepare to host the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Monday.

The two franchises enter this matchup on completely opposite ends of the momentum spectrum. KKR, currently searching for their first points of the season after stumbling in their opening fixtures against MI and SRH, will be desperate to capitalize on their home advantage. Meanwhile, an energized PBKS unit rolls into Kolkata boasting a flawless 2-0 record after pulling off a spectacular chase against the Chennai Super Kings in their last outing.

KKR vs PBKS Schedule

Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, Match 12, IPL 2026

Date: Monday, April 6, 2026

Time: 7:30 PM IST (Toss at 7:00 PM IST)

Venue: Eden

Gardens, Kolkata

KKR vs PBKS Team News

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Operating under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, the Knight Riders are in dire need of a spark. The team is still looking to solidify its batting order and find reliable finishing power in the middle, heavily relying on Rinku Singh and Cameron Green to step up. Green, their marquee signing, is under pressure to deliver both with the bat and the ball to balance the playing XI. KKR's bowling attack, featuring the spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, will need to be much sharper during the middle overs to contain a highly aggressive Punjab batting lineup.

Punjab Kings (PBKS): Punjab Kings are riding high on confidence under the astute captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. Iyer, leading from the front, struck a fluent half-century in their impressive chase of 209 against CSK at Chepauk. The PBKS top order looks incredibly dangerous, with young talents like Priyansh Arya (who smashed an 11-ball 39 recently) and Australian prodigy Cooper Connolly providing explosive starts. The bowling attack is equally balanced, spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh and veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. The only minor headache for PBKS is off the field; skipper Shreyas Iyer was recently fined for a slow over-rate and will need to carefully manage the fielding clock to avoid a potential suspension.

KKR vs PBKS Predicted Playing 11

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

Impact Player Options: Kartik Tyagi, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell

Punjab Kings (PBKS): Prabhsimran Singh (wk),Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak

Impact Player Options: Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Harpreet Brar