In Match 42 of IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders will welcome Punjab Kings at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday (April 26).

In the past, they faced each other on 32 occasions and KKR emerged victorious 21 times. Despite this one-sided rivalry in the last five duels, Punjab won two times. In their last face-off off KKR had lost the match against the Punjab side.

KKR vs PBKS: Current Forms of Kolkata and Punjab in IPL 2024

In this season KKR is in great form and won five of the seven matches they have played so far, which led them to second place in the point’s table. Whereas ninth-placed PBKS has lost six of the eight matches they have played.

Despite having a strong bowling squad KKR has struggled to defend their scores. Against RR the Knights failed to defend a score of 223 while against RCB they won the match by just a single despite scoring a total of 222. On the other hand, the visitors have lost the last four matches back to back and they suffered to be bottled at the final stages of the matches. However, this can be changed in this match as the pitch of Eden Gardens seems to be more suitable for the English batter-packed PBKS.

IPL 2024 KKR vs PBKS: Four Key Duels between Kolkata and Punjab

Philip Salt & Sunil Narine vs Kagiso Rabada

There is no doubt that Kagiso Rabada is the most seasoned and skilled pacer in the Punjab squad. The South African right-arm fast bowler is known for his raw speed and bouncers which can be quite problematic for the Knight openers. In this season the performances of the openers remain a crucial factor for the KKR's successful journey so far. His bouncers can be problematic, especially for Narine.

Shreyas Iyer vs Harshal Patel

Though the KKR-skipper is getting runs regularly but it's high time for him to step up. From the recent matches, it is quite evident that a 220-plus score is very much possible to chase at Eden Gardens. The low strike rates and hesitation to go for big shots in the middle overs are preventing KKR from posting 240-plus totals on the scoreboard. In this match, it can be difficult for Iyer due to his weakness against short balls. His performance against the pacer-heavy PBKS bowling line-up, mainly against the bowlers like Harshal Patel will be crucial for the Knights.

Liam Livingstone vs Varun Chakravarthy

Though the English all-rounder is not in good form, the pitch of the Eden Gardens can be suitable for the English batter. But only time will tell how he can manage the Knights's spin attack especially a leg-spinner like Varun Chakravarthy. If Livingstone manages to surpass this hurdle it can be very problematic for KKR, especially if PBKS had to bat second.

Shashank Singh & Ashutosh Sharma vs Sunil Narine

Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma are the best batters for the Kings so far this season. From the recent forms of the PBKS batters, it is safe to assume that they had to face the Knight spin unit in the middle overs. The economic overs from Sunil Narine remains a proven detrimental factor for the Knights across the seasons. Performances by this batting duo will decide the fate of the match especially if Punjab go for batting first.