Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – League Stage – Preview & Prediction | IPL 2023
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THE FACTS
When is Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders on and what time does it start? Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders will take place on Saturday 1st April, 2023 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders taking place? Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders will take place at IS Bindra Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh, India
Where can I get tickets for Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders? Visit each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders on in the UK? Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket as well as DAZN 1 HD (channel 429 on Sky)
Where can I stream Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders live on Sky Go, while DAZN subscribers can also stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
PUNJAB KINGS
- Punjab Kings have already been dealt a blow before the start of the 2023 IPL with the news that England batter Jonny Bairstow will be ruled out of the entire tournament as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg suffered last year.
- BBL Player of the Tournament Matthew Short has been roped in as a replacement for Bairstow, whilst big things will be expected of bowling all-rounder Sam Curran, who was bought at auction for a record fee of £1.85m.
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
- Kolkata Knight Riders will begin the competition without the services of their regular captain and key batter Shreyas Iyer, who is still recovering from a back injury.
- Fellow countryman Nitish Rana has been named as skipper in his absence but as has been the case for a number of years now, much of KKR’s success will depend on their star West Indian duo Sunil Narine and Andre Russell.
THE PREDICTION
Kolkata Knight Riders head into the season as one of the weaker sides on paper. The absence of Shreyas Iyer is a big blow not just due to the loss of his runs, but also his leadership. Even without Bairstow, Punjab have significantly strengthened compared to last year thanks to some big money business at the auction table. This is likely to stand them in good stead going forward and backing them to triumph here has to be favoured.
