KKR vs PBKS IPL 2026: Teams announces their Playing 11, as KKR wins the Toss and Elects to Bat First Against PBKS

The 12th IPL 2026 match sees KKR vs PBKS at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. KKR has won the toss and decided to bat first against PBKS. KKR is yet to win this season, having lost their first two games. PBKS has started strong with two wins. The game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST today, on Monday. It is going to be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.

KKR is under pressure after revamping their squad post-2025. Injuries have hit hard: Matheesha Pathirana is out for the first half, Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are out for the season, and Cameron Green can only bat. Their pace attack relies on Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Umran Malik, and Blessing Muzarabani. Manish Pandey may come in for Ramandeep Singh to strengthen the middle order.

PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, is stable and firing. Their top order is strong, and bowling is balanced. And leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is expected to make an impact in the bowling innings. The team is unlikely to make changes after their good start.

KKR vs PBKS IPL 2026: Playing XIs

Priyansh Arya has been hitting big early for PBKS. He scored 39 off 11 balls against CSK. Yuzvendra Chahal is PBKS’s key player. On a pitch with little turn, his variations and ability to take wickets will be vital in stopping KKR’s scoring in the middle overs.

The KKR all-rounder, Cameron Green, has struggled with the bat and hasn’t bowled yet. He is under pressure to justify his ₹25.2 crore price tag. His performance against PBKS’s strong pace attack will be crucial. Their new-ball bowlers, like Vaibhav Arora, will need to dismiss him early to stop a flying start. 

This is a contest between a team in crisis and one full of confidence. PBKS are settled and balanced, while KKR are still searching for answers. Rain and dew could make the game unpredictable. A win for PBKS will keep them in the top three and pressure the league leaders. For KKR, a third straight loss could end their playoff hopes early.

Here is a look at the team lineup of KKR vs PBKS in the IPL 2026:

Weather and Pitch Report for KKR vs PBKS IPL 2026

Eden Gardens in Kolkata is now a batter-friendly ground. The pitch bounces well and has good pace, with short boundaries making it easier to score big. First innings scores usually range between 166 and 180. Teams chasing have a slight edge, winning 57 of 101 T20 games here. SRH scored 226/8 in the only IPL game this season. They showed how easy it is to bat here.

The weather will be warm and humid, around 29°C, with possible rain and thunderstorms. Dew could make the ball slippery in the second innings. It can help the team batting second. Rain may also interrupt or even stop the match

FAQs

Q. Where is the KKR vs PBKS match?

A. The 12th IPL 2026 match is at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It will be on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.

Q. How are KKR and PBKS performing this season?

A. KKR have lost their first two games and are under pressure. PBKS have won both matches and are in strong form.

Q. What are the key team concerns and players?

A. KKR face injuries to Pathirana, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep, with Cameron Green only able to bat. PBKS are stable, with Shreyas Iyer leading and Yuzvendra Chahal expected to make an impact.

Q. Which players to watch in the match?

A. Priyansh Arya has been scoring fast for PBKS. Cameron Green needs to perform for KKR. Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling will be crucial to stop KKR’s middle order.

Q. What’s the pitch and weather like?

A. Eden Gardens is batter-friendly with short boundaries and good pace. Weather will be warm and humid at 29°C, with possible rain and dew affecting the second innings.

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