Shreyas Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane (Pic credit: IPL) KOLKATA: If momentum is key in sports, Punjab Kings will take a lot into their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Monday. Last season’s runners-up, who started their campaign with back-to-back wins, start as favorites against hosts KKR and are still looking for their first IPL 2026 point.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!KKR’s bowling was initially seen as their weak link after they failed to defend more than 200 in the opener, but the inability of their batsmen to last 20 overs or reach 200 in the second game has now raised concerns about the batting as well. Captain Ajinkya Rahane sums up the situation candidly: “We are still looking for the best combination at the moment.”A team still unsure of its balance will struggle against a confident opponent. Injuries have compounded KKR’s woes with Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ruled out, while IPL 2026’s highest paid player Cameron Green is yet to miss despite the management being aware of his limitations in advance. “We need that extra bowler as a cushion. If we play with three pacers and two spinners and someone struggles, we don’t have backup at the moment,” admitted Rahane.Green rolling his arm in the nets on Saturday was a positive sign, but the Australian is unlikely to play 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 complete the strike usually associated with Andre Russell.The KKR batsmen will face a tough test against one of the most experienced bowling units in the tournament. Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal bring considerable international experience and adaptability to different conditions.
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THE NUMBERS GAME
- 36 – The number of wickets at 20.27 runs apiece in 27 matches taken by Sunil Narine – the most by a bowler against Punjab Kings in the IPL.
- 21 – Number of wins recorded by KKR against Punjab Kings – the most against any opponent. Punjab Kings recorded the highest number of defeats (21) against all opponents.
Statistics – Rajesh Kumar
