KKR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction [Source: @iplt20.com]
The IPL 2025 caravan rolls into Eden Gardens for a blockbuster Saturday night clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). It's Match 44 of the season, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, are struggling to stay afloat with just 3 wins in 8 games. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings are in playoff contention, having secured 5 victories so far. With both teams desperate for momentum heading into the business end of the tournament, fans can expect a firecracker of a contest.
And for fantasy players, this match brings some mouth-watering picks. So if you’re building your KKR vs PBKS Dream11 team, here are the top 3 captain and vice-captain picks who could help you rake in the maximum points.
3. Sunil Narine
Why Will Sunil Narine Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
If there is one player who’s been a fantasy goldmine this season, it’s Sunil Narine. Back at the top of the order and bowling in crunch overs, Narine has rediscovered the swagger that made him an IPL legend. With 147 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 177.10, Narine has shown that he’s more than capable of doing damage with the bat.
With the ball, he has been equally impactful with 7 wickets in as many matches, maintaining an economy of 7.60 and he is known to thrive on the Eden Gardens track.
The dual-role factor makes him a Dream11 captaincy or vice-captaincy gem, you get points from both ends. Expect him to make an impact again against a PBKS side that has historically struggled against mystery spin.
2. Ajinkya Rahane
Why Will Ajinkya Rahane Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
If KKR still have a flicker of hope left in their campaign, it’s largely because of their skipper, Ajinkya Rahane. Calm, composed and quietly piling on runs, Rahane has been the glue holding Kolkata’s batting together.
He has scored 271 runs in 8 matches at an average of 38.71 and a strike rate of 146.48, including three classy fifties.
What has been impressive is his ability to shift gears; he is no longer just an anchor but someone who can accelerate post the powerplay.
Playing at Eden, where he knows the surface well, Rahane is likely to anchor another innings. As a captain or vice-captain pick, he is a reliable bet for consistent points, especially if KKR bat first and he gets a longer stay at the crease.
1. Shreyas Iyer
Why Will Shreyas Iyer Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Shreyas Iyer, the man who captained KKR to their historic IPL 2024 title, now walks into Eden Gardens leading the opposition. And if there is one thing you can count on in cricket, it’s that nothing fuels a batter more than facing their former team.
Iyer has been on fire this season. With 263 runs in 8 matches at a stunning strike rate of 185.21, he has turned games around with his counter-attacking brilliance.
He is averaging 43.83 and already has three fifties under his belt, including a match-winning 97 *. With KKR’s bowling lacking the bite it once had, Iyer could cash in big-time. If you're looking for a top captain or vice-captain pick, Iyer is your man.