Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to host Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Match 44 of IPL 2025 on Saturday, April 26. With both teams still in contention for a playoff spot, this fixture is of immense importance. A win here could be the momentum booster each side needs to solidify their top-four chances.
This match also marks an opportunity for KKR to avenge their earlier loss to PBKS in New Chandigarh, where they were defeated despite chasing just 112. In addition, KKR will be eager to break their two-game losing streak at home. Meanwhile, PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, can leap into the top four with a victory, adding even more significance to this encounter.
The pitch at Eden Gardens traditionally supports batsmen with its flat surface and consistent bounce. These conditions are ideal for stroke play, and high totals are common, especially in the T20 format.
However, the surface is not as completely flat as some others, like in Bengaluru or Hyderabad. In the early stages of the game, seamers can extract some bounce and swing with the new ball. As the match progresses, the pitch settles, offering even more scoring opportunities to the batters.
The outfield is notably quick, which means even mistimed shots can race to the boundary. While the surface favours batsmen overall, disciplined bowling—especially in terms of line and length—can still make an impact.
KKR have enjoyed a dominant home record at Eden Gardens. They have played 92 matches here, winning 53 and losing 39. In contrast, PBKS have played 13 matches at this venue, winning four and losing nine against the Knight Riders.
Total T20 matches: 19
Bat 1st wins: 10
Bat 2nd wins: 9
Average 1st innings score: 191/7
Highest successful chase: 262/2 by PBKS in 2024
Lowest total defended (non-shortened games): 176
200+ totals scored: 13 in 17 matches
Sixes per match: 19
Pace Bowlers: 56% overs, 114 wickets, 33.1 average, 10.5 economy
Spinners: 44% overs, 88 wickets, 26.6 average, 8.4 economy
When 1st innings score is 200+: 9 matches – Bat 1st won 7, Bat 2nd won 2
When 1st innings score < 200: 10 matches – Bat 1st won 3, Bat 2nd won 7
In Match 39 of IPL 2025, KKR hosted Gujarat Titans. GT, led by fifties from Shubman Gill (90) and Sai Sudharsan (52), posted 198. KKR managed only 159/8 in response, despite a fighting half-century by captain Ajinkya Rahane. Gujarat secured a comfortable 39-run win.
As of 2025, Eden Gardens has hosted 97 IPL matches. Teams chasing have won 56 of them, while teams batting first have won 41.
Highest total: 262/2 by PBKS vs KKR (2024)
Lowest total: 49 all out by RCB (2017)
Lowest total defended: 131 by KKR
Average 1st innings score: 166
Highest individual score: Rajat Patidar – 112* (RCB vs LSG, 2022)
Most runs: Gautam Gambhir – 1,407 runs in 47 innings
Most fours: Gautam Gambhir – 165
Most sixes: Andre Russell – 85
Most fifties: Gautam Gambhir – 11
Best bowling figures: Sunil Narine – 5/15 vs PBKS (2012)
Most wickets: Sunil Narine – 71 wickets in 61 innings
Eden Gardens has witnessed 1,233 sixes and 2,789 fours over the course of its IPL history. A total of 141 fifties and 9 centuries have been scored here. Players like Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sunil Narine, and Virat Kohli have all recorded centuries at this venue.