KOLKATA: If pace is of the essence in the game, Punjab Kings will make the most of it in their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Monday. Last season’s runners-up, who have started their campaign with back-to-back wins, start as favorites against hosts KKR, still looking for their first point of IPL 2026.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!KKR’s bowling was initially seen as their weak link after failing to defend a 200-plus total in the opening game, but the failure of their batsmen to reach 20 overs or reach 200 in the second match has now raised concerns about the batting as well. The captain Ajinkya Rahane summed up the situation bluntly: “At this point, we’re still looking for the best combination.”A team that is still unsure of its balance will find it difficult to take on a confident opponent. Injuries have added to KKR’s woes, with Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, the highest-paid players in IPL 2026. Cameron Greene The management has not bowled yet despite knowing its limitations in advance.
“We need that extra bowler as a cushion. If we play three fast bowlers and two spinners and one struggles, then we don’t have a back-up,” admitted Rahane.Green turning his arm over the nets on Saturday was a positive sign, but the Australian is unlikely to bowl on Monday. His struggles with the bat – just 20 runs in two matches – hurt KKR further in the middle overs, with Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh also yet to provide the finishing punch usually associated with Andre Russell.The KKR batsmen will face a tough test against one of the most experienced bowling units in the tournament. Arsdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Marco Johnson and Yuzvinder Chahal bring plenty of international experience and adaptability to different situations.The numbers game
- 36 – Number of wickets at 20.27 runs in 27 matches
Sunil Narayan – Most by a bowler against Punjab Kings in IPL. - 21 – Number of wins registered by KKR against Punjab Kings – Most against any opponent by them. Punjab Kings’ number of defeats (21) is the most by their side against any opponent.
Statistics – Rajesh Kumar
