Kolkata Knight Riders have made a horror start to their IPL 2026 campaign, losing their first two matches. They will therefore have their task cut out when they take on Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens on Monday. Back in 2012, KKR had also begun with back-to-back defeats before going on to win the title. But that 2012 side, featuring Jacques Kallis, Shakib Al Hasan and Gautam Gambhir, had a very different level of pedigree and experience.

This KKR side, by contrast, has been riddled with concerns. As if injury issues were not enough, they are also struggling with their combination, with Cameron Green’s inability to bowl hurting the balance of the XI. To make matters worse, there is also a rain threat looming over the contest, with weather potentially affecting play just as it did last year in Kolkata when these two teams met.

Punjab Kings, meanwhile, have made a completely contrasting start. Last season’s runners-up have won both their matches and will be eyeing a third straight win to go top of the table. Shreyas Iyer’s familiarity with KKR could also work in Punjab’s favour.

WILL KOLKATA BRING AN EXTRA BATTER?

After the defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ajinkya Rahane admitted that Kolkata Knight Riders may have to consider playing an extra batter — and it is easy to see why. KKR were bowled out for 161 in just 16 overs. Even Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that they need to add another batter, especially with Cameron Green currently unable to bowl.

Green may be the big-money signing, but if he is not contributing with the ball, KKR need someone who can strengthen the lower order and improve the balance of the XI.

So, who could they turn to? An exciting, if slightly risky, option is Delhi Premier League import Tejasvi Singh. In the 2025 DPL, he scored 339 runs in just 10 innings at a strike rate of over 190, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest six-hitter with 29 maximums. His standout moment came in a rain-hit chase, when he smashed 69 off just 21 balls, including a record-breaking 12-ball fifty — the fastest in DPL history.

Rahul Tripathi and Manish Pandey also bring valuable experience and could be considered, especially given their familiarity with the franchise. Once Green starts bowling, KKR will have far more breathing space. But until then, if he continues as a specialist batter, the Knight Riders must find the right balance between strengthening their batting and not weakening their bowling attack.

WHEN WILL GREEN START BOWLING?

Cameron Green has bowled in the nets for the Kolkata Knight Riders, but is yet to bowl in the two matches they have played so far. KKR bowling coach Tim Southee provided an update, saying the franchise is closely monitoring his rehabilitation from a back injury.

“Yeah, Green’s been bowling well, tracking his rehab and getting himself back to being able to bowl in games. He’ll continue to do that,” Southee said at the pre-match press conference.

KKR might not have felt Green’s absence with the ball as acutely had they had the likes of Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana or Harshit Rana available. Kolkata’s attack, particularly in the pace department, has been badly depleted, and that could again be a major concern against a Punjab batting unit packed with firepower.

CAN PUNJAB CONTINUE THEIR IMPRESSIVE RUN?

While Kolkata continue to struggle, Punjab Kings have had little to worry about. They began their campaign with a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans before following it up with a five-wicket victory against Chennai Super Kings. Most of their batters are in excellent form and, at Eden Gardens where conditions are expected to favour batting, they will be eyeing another strong total.

The spotlight will be on Cooper Connolly, who has made an impressive start to his IPL career. In the bowling department, Xavier Bartlett and Arshdeep Singh will be crucial in the pace attack, while Yuzvendra Chahal will hold the key with spin. Vijaykumar Vyshak has also been among the wickets, and in Marco Jansen, Punjab have one of the world’s premier all-rounders.

KOLKATA: PITCH AND CONDITIONS

The pitch at Eden Gardens has traditionally been an excellent one for batters, but the clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders showed that bowlers can also have a say if they hit the right channels consistently. If either side manages to post 200-plus batting first, it could prove difficult for the opposition to chase down.

As per the IMD weather bulletin, rain remains a major threat to the match and could even force a shortened contest. Both teams had their scheduled practice sessions called off on the eve of the game after a heavy afternoon shower, with the Eden Gardens outfield staying under covers and waterlogged patches still visible. Temperatures are likely to stay around 25°C, with overcast conditions expected.

KKR vs PBKS: HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Knight Riders have had the upper hand over the Kings over the years, having won 21 out of 35 matches, losing 13 while one match was washed off. At the Eden Gardens, KKR have won nine out of 14 matches against PBKS. In their previous completed match, PBKS beat KKR by 16 runs after bowling the opposition out for 95 while defending 111.

KKR vs PBKS: Predicted XI

KKR Predicted XI: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy/Tejasvi Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani

Impact Sub: Finn Allen

PBKS Predicted XI: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Sub: Priyansh Arya

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