The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most exciting cricket tournaments, and when two teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) face off, it always promises an action-packed experience. These teams have had their fair share of highs and lows over the years, but when they come together KKR comes out to be the stronger team. Let’s take a closer look at the rivalry between KKR and PBKS, exploring their playing styles, key players to watch in 2025, memorable moments from their encounters and more.
KKR vs PBKS Head to Head records from 2008 to 2024:
| Year | Match | KKR | PBKS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Match 1
Match 2 |
261/6
– |
262/2
– |
PBKS
– |
| 2023 | Match 1
Match 2 |
182/5
146/7 |
179/7
191/5 |
KKR
PBKS |
| 2022 | Match 1
Match 2 |
141/4
– |
137
– |
KKR
– |
| 2021 | Match 1
Match 2 |
165/7
126/5 |
168/5
123/9 |
PBKS
KKR |
| 2020 | Match 1
Match 2 |
149/9
164/6 |
150/2
162/5 |
PBKS
KKR |
| 2019 | Match 1
Match 2 |
185/3
183/6 |
218/4
190/4 |
KKR
KKR |
| 2018 | Match 1
Match 2 |
145/4
191/7 |
245/6
126/1 |
KKR
PBKS |
| 2017 | Match 1
Match 2 |
153/6
171/2 |
167/6
170/9 |
PBKS
KKR |
| 2016 | Match 1
Match 2 |
164/3
141/4 |
157/9
138/8 |
KKR
KKR |
| 2015 | Match 1
Match 2 |
184/9
159/6 |
183/5
155/9 |
KKR
KKR |
| 2014 | Match 1
Match 2 |
200/7
163/8 |
199/4
135/8 |
KKR
KKR |
| 2013 | Match 1
Match 2 |
150/4
153/9 |
149/6
127/2 |
KKR
PBKS |
| 2012 | Match 1
Match 2 |
157/9
124/7 |
132/7
120/2 |
KKR
PBKS |
| 2011 | Match 1
Match 2 |
134/9
– |
119/6
– |
KKR
– |
| 2010 | Match 1
Match 2 |
200/3
183/5 |
204/2
144/6 |
PBKS
KKR |
| 2009 | Match 1
Match 2 |
79/1
154/4 |
158/6
153/3 |
KKR
PBKS |
| 2008 | Match 1
Match 2 |
175/7
169/6 |
174/6
178/6 |
KKR
PBKS |
KKR vs PBKS IPL head-to-head match statistics:
| Stats | KKR | PBKS |
|---|---|---|
| Tosses Won | 19 | 14 |
| Elected to Bat | 4 | 6 |
| Elected to Field | 15 | 8 |
| Won Toss and Match | 12 | 5 |
| Highest Total | 261 | 262 |
| Lowest Total | 79 | 119 |
| Average Runs | 163.88 | 162.58 |
| Average Wickets | 5.27 | 6.24 |
Playing Style of Both Teams: An Overview
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR has always been known for its aggressive and bold style of play. The team thrives on attacking cricket, whether it’s with the bat or the ball. Over the years, KKR has developed a reputation for turning games around, especially with their solid batting line-up and tactical captaincy. Under leaders like Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer, KKR has often made bold decisions that have worked in their favor.
In recent seasons, KKR has focused on a balanced squad with both experienced players and young talents. Their batting line-up boasts power hitters who can change the game in a matter of overs, while their bowling attack has a mix of spinners and fast bowlers capable of delivering under pressure.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, Punjab Kings (PBKS) has always been a talented team. They have struggled with consistency in the IPL despite some thrilling performances. Although PBKS has consistently been a squad capable of unexpected victories under different captains, such as KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, however the team have frequently underperformed in crucial situations.
Key Players to Watch Out For in 2025
KKR Key Players:
Rinku Singh has proven himself as an excellent finisher. He has the ability to accelerate in the death overs and finish games in tight situations. His ability to remain calm under pressure and hit boundaries in the final overs makes him a key player in KKR’s lower middle order.
Andre Russell – One of the most explosive all-rounders in world cricket, Russell is always a threat with both bat and ball. His ability to turn games with a few big hits makes him an essential player for KKR’s success.
Sunil Narine – The mystery spinner has been a pivotal part of KKR for years. His ability to bowl economical spells and pick crucial wickets, especially in the powerplay, Whether it’s breaking partnerships or scoring quick runs, Narine’s all-round game has been a game-changer for KKR across several IPL seasons.
PBKS Key Players:
Glenn Maxwell: Maxwell is a ticking time bomb to keep an eye on in 2025 because of his explosive batting and ability to win games on his own. His recent form in Ipl last season was not his best performance, but his capabilities cannot be overlooked. We all know the knock he played against afghanistan in 2023 ODI world-cup in, where his individual brilliance won the match for Australia and later on the team won themselves the ODI World Cup 2023
Marcus Stoinis: Stoinis is expected to dominate games with his outstanding all-around skills, performing well equally with the bat and the ball under pressure.
Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer is known for his death-over skills and has been a crucial bowler for PBKS in tight matches.Arshdeep is a lethal weapon against any batting lineup because of his accurate yorkers and composed attitude in the final overs.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Chahal is a stunner because of his crafty spin and outstanding control, which can destroy even the most formidable batting orders.
Memorable Moments Of KKR vs PBKS
The rivalry between KKR vs PBKS has seen some intense and unforgettable moments. Let’s look at a few:
KKR’s Thrilling Comeback (2014): In the 2014 season, KKR managed to make a stunning comeback after being out of the game for almost the entire match. Their victory over PBKS was a classic example of how KKR can turn things around, thanks to some brilliant performances in the death overs.
Punjab Kings’ Last-Over Victory (2019): In a nail-biting encounter, PBKS chased down a competitive total set by KKR in the last over, thanks to a match-winning knock by their middle-order batsmen. It was a game that showcased PBKS’s resilience and ability to handle the pressure.
Andre Russell’s Match-Winning Knock (2020): In a dramatic encounter, Andre Russell almost single-handedly steered KKR to victory, smashing PBKS bowlers all over the park. His explosive batting is always a treat to watch and has provided some memorable moments in the past.
Venue Stats: KKR Vs PBKS
| Venue | Total Matches | KKR Wins | PBKS Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 13 | 9 | 4 |
| Mohali Stadium, Mohali | 8 | 4 | 4 |
KKR vs PBKS head-to-head in EDEN Gardens
- No result: 0
- Abandoned: 0
KKR vs PBKS head-to-head in Mohali Stadium
- Abandoned: 0
Conclusion
The KKR vs PBKS rivalry is one that continues to excite cricket fans year after year. Both teams bring a unique style to the game, making their encounters an absolute spectacle. KKR’s aggressive yet strategic approach faces off against PBKS’s bold and attacking style, creating thrilling contests every time they meet.
Looking ahead to 2025, both teams are gearing up with fresh strategies, experienced players, and exciting new talent. As always, the head-to-head battle between KKR and PBKS will be filled with memorable moments, high-stakes drama, and incredible performances. For fans, this rivalry is one to watch out for, as every match promises to bring new stories, new heroes, and unforgettable cricketing moments.
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The runs, records, and statistical information of KKR vs PBKS mentioned in the table above have been sourced from the official IPL website