PBKS vs KKR is the match 2 fixture in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. It will be the season’s opening fixture for Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by Shikhar Dhawan, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The match will take place in Mohali at 3:30 PM on Saturday.  

We preview both teams and offer our prediction of this exciting match.

Punjab Kings Overview

PBKS, previously known as Kings XI Punjab, has been one of the most inconsistent teams in the IPL. Despite having a strong squad in the past, they have only made it to the final once and are yet to win the IPL title.

The team management has made smart acquisitions in the auction this year, bringing in some promising young talent and experienced players. However, PBKS are likely to miss out on the services of their star batter Jonny Bairstow, who hasn’t been given the NOC by the England Cricket Board (ECB). The franchise’s season will rely on Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, etc. 

The Kings have Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and Rahul Chahar in the bowling department. The trio is well-experienced, and there will be plenty of expectations. All-rounder Sam Curran is the player to watch out for in the PBKS line-up. The Englishman had an excellent 2022, bagging the player of the tournament award in the T20 World Cup 2022. 

Kolkata Knight Riders Overview

KKR, the third successful team in IPL history, received a huge setback ahead of the new season. The Kolkata outfit’s skipper Shreyas Iyer will miss the opening few matches of the season due to a back injury. Lockie Ferguson, too, may not feature against PBKS after suffering a hamstring injury. 

In addition to Shreyas and Ferguson’s absence, Bangladesh duo Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das, too, will be unavailable for KKR’s IPL opener due to national team commitments. Nitish Rana, Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell will have more responsibility without key players. 

KKR has plenty of gritty and world-class players in the bowling department. Sunil Narine, Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Tim Southee have plenty of IPL experience. Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is another player who could make an impact in KKR colors. 

PBKS vs KKR Head-to-Head

Russell guided KKR to victory in the lone meeting between the two teams last season. The West Indian struck an unbeaten 31-ball 70, while Umesh clinched a four-wicket haul.  

PBKS vs KKR Last Five Meetings