1. Team News: Kings XI Punjab
The Kings XI must win all their remaining matches for a shot at the playoffs. KXIP's bowling has been their weakest link. Barring Mohammad Shami and Ravi Bishnoi, none of the bowlers have inspired confidence, especially in the death overs.
But when their batting unit failed to put runs on the board on Saturday, the KXIP bowlers produced an excellent display of death over bowling against Sunrisers Hyderabad. They defended 126 by taking five wickets in the final two overs to eke out an incredible win.
KXIP have in-form batsmen in skipper Rahul, who is the leading run scorer of the tournament, and Mayank Agarwal. The presence of flamboyant Chris Gayle has inspired the team, and since his inclusion in the playing XI, the Punjab-based outfit has not lost a single game.
Nicholas Pooran, too, has looked dangerous but the shaky form of Glenn Maxwell remains a concern. Agarwal missed the match against SRH due to a bruised knee but the opener is expected to be back for the clash against KKR.
2. Team News: Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR will also be all fired up after their comprehensive win over the formidable Delhi Capitals and would be desperate to keep the winning momentum going.
After the embarrassing eight-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore, the two-time champions did well to regroup and inflict a 59-run defeat on the Capitals, who occupy the second spot in the points table.
If KKR wish to seal a play-off spot, their batsmen need to step up, shrug off their inconsistency and win matches for the team. Barring Rana (81) and Narine (64), everyone else failed against DC.
The KKR bowlers have done well to fashion victories and the addition of Lockie Fergusen has only strengthened the pace attack, which also includes Australian Pat Cummins.
3. Playing XI
Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul, Mandeep Singh/Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, M Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Dinesh Karthik, Sunil Narine, Eoin Morgan, Pat Cummins, Lockie Ferguson, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy.
4. Dream11
KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi.
5. Head to head
The Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab had faced each other 26 times and the Kolkata outfit holds a massive edge of 18-8.
6. Match details
Date: October 26
Time: 7.30 PM IST
Live telecast: Star Sports Networks
Live streaming: Disney + Hotstar VIP