IPL 2026 Tips - Kolkata Knight Riders v Punjab Kings

The Kolkata Knight Riders host the Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens looking for their first win of IPL 2026, while Shreyas Iyer returns to face the franchise he led to the 2024 title just two seasons ago.

Head to Head

Punjab Kings

Head to Head

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$1.80

PBKS are the form side in this competition and carry the better bowling attack into a venue where KKR have been badly exposed in both games so far this season.

KKR lead the all-time series 21-13 across 35 meetings and hold a strong home record at Eden Gardens, but the last two seasons have shifted the balance. PBKS pulled off the highest successful run chase in IPL history at this ground in 2024, chasing 262, and have won three of the last five completed meetings. Their overall form is the bigger factor here, with two wins from two, chasing 210 at Chepauk in their last game, with an even contribution from right across their squad.

KKR have conceded in excess of 220 in both losses and their bowling remains a serious concern with Pathirana, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana all unavailable. Cameron Green is yet to fire with bat or ball and Varun Chakravarthy is badly out of form. PBKS by contrast have almost their full squad available, bat deep to No. 8 and have Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen as a serious new-ball combination. Chahal is also well suited to this surface as an impact sub.

The $1.80 looks terrific value here.

Best Bet

Arshdeep Singh

2+ Wickets

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$2.50

Arshdeep leads all IPL bowlers since 2024 with 40 powerplay wickets and has dismissed Rahane three times in the IPL. Against a KKR top order missing its best overseas options and low on confidence, he is the standout bowling pick of the match.

Value Bet

Prabhsimran Singh

50+ Runs

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$3.00

Prabhsimran has made 43 and 37 in his first two innings of IPL 2026, showing he is in form and ready to go deep. He has 29 runs off 17 balls against Narine in the IPL without being dismissed, neutralising KKR’s biggest spin threat from the outset. On a flat Eden Gardens surface against a depleted bowling attack, he looks good value to go large.

Same Game Multi

PBKS H2H / Prabhsimran & Priyansh Arya 20+ Runs / Arshdeep Singh 2+ Wickets

Editor in Chief

Frankie McDonald

Frankie has spent more than two decades working in the Australian wagering industry and is widely regarded for his expertise in AFL, NRL and horse racing tips.