![KKR set to bat first vs PBKS [Source: Screengrab/JioHotStar]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1775482734387_KKRVsPBKStossupdate.jpg?type=hq)
KKR set to bat first vs PBKS [Source: Screengrab/JioHotStar]
Eden Gardens on Monday evening will witness the clash of the titans as the hosts, KKR, will take on the red-hot Punjab Kings in a crucial IPL 2026 match. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the ongoing season, with PBKS winning two in a row, and KKR losing both its IPL matches.
KKR have had plenty of issues to deal with in IPL 2026, right from Ajinkya Rahane’s strike-rate comments to the injuries to key bowlers. Barring Finn Allen, the team lacks power-hitters in the team, and the former champions will aim to rectify it in the match against PBKS.
The form of Varun Chakaravarthy is also an issue, as the spinner has been taken to the cleaners in the opening two KKR matches.
On the other hand, the Punjab Kings have been near flawless. The side won a close-fought battle against the Gujarat Titans, and it was followed by a one-sided domination against the Chennai Super Kings. The Shreyas Iyer-led side has almost all the bases covered and will start as the favourites.
Ahead of the match, we take a look at what transpired at the toss between KKR and PBKS.
KKR Vs PBKS IPL 2026 toss
KKR won the toss and in a surprising decision, skipper Ajinkya Rahane decided to bat first. The wicket seems to be on the drier side, and Rahane believes the surface will aid the spinners in the second innings.
KKR have been forced to make two changes: Star spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy got injured during the last match and he has been rested. Moreover, Sunil Narine is unwell, and he, too, misses out. In their place, Navdeep Saini, and Rovman Powell come in.
On the other hand, after winning two in a row, Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings have gone in unchanged as the management has shown full trust in the playing XI from the previous games.
KKR Vs PBKS: Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Navdeep Saini, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi
Punjab Kings Playing XI: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Also Read: Harshit Rana Joins KKR Camp Ahead Of Clash Against Punjab Kings But With A Twist
KKR Vs PBKS: What the captains said at the toss
Ajinkya Rahane: "[Toss decision and reason] We are going to bat first. Looks a good wicket. Little bit on the dry side. But looks very good wicket. Slightly less grass on the surface that's why we want to bat first.
[On the slow start in the tournament] It is all about having that belief and having that confidence. It is all about winning those small moments. You have to give your best and if you find that right moment, give your best and have that belief.
[On open with Sunil Narine] We will think about that. [Team changes] Two forced changes. Varun Chakaravarthy got injured in the last game while taking a catch and Sunil Narine is sick. Navdeep Saini is in for Chakaravarthy and Rovman Powell is in for Narine."
Also Read: KKR Hosts Punjab Kings: Will Shreyas Iyer Continue His Away Rampage In The IPL?
Shreyas Iyer: "[On bowling first] I was supposed to bowl as well, so I’m kind of happy with the decision he made.
[On relationship with Ponting] Blossomed during his time with Delhi Capitals, and he’s someone who gives a lot of freedom and confidence to the youngsters in the team. He’s an inspiration in himself, having played outstanding cricket over the years, and we’ve always looked up to him as one of the best cricketers in the world.
