KKR vs PBKS: Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted Playing XI Against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)- IPL 2021 Match 45

KKR vs PBKS: Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted Playing XI Against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)- IPL 2021 Match 45. Punjab Kings have fought well this season but failed to hold their nerves in the final few overs in the match. As a result of that, they have lost 7 matches out of 11. Their chances of making it into the playoffs are hanging by a thread.

They need to win all their remaining three matches to give themselves a chance of reaching the playoffs. Though, as of now, all their focus would be on the next game against Kolkata Knight Riders, scheduled to be played on Friday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Punjab lost their last game against Mumbai Indians by 6 wickets. They would desperate to get back to winning ways. Here’s a look at our predicted playing XI of Punjab Kings against KKR:

KKR vs PBKS: Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted Playing XI Against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)- IPL 2021 Match 45

Openers: KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal

KL Rahul scored 21 runs each in his last two games. Given the kind of form he is, he would be desperate to score a big knock for the side in an important game on Friday. In 10 matches, he has managed to score 422 runs at an average of 52.75. Punjab needs Mayank Agarwal at the top of the order.

He missed out in the last game due to a stiff neck. He should be back into the eleven for the game on Friday.

Middle-order: Chris Gayle, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran and Shahrukh Khan

Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran both have had a poor season with the bat. However, Punjab don’t really have a lot of options at their disposal to replace them with. Aiden Markram has fared pretty well for PBKS in the second leg. There has been little support from other batsmen, however, Markram played a vital 42-run knock off 29 balls in the last game against Mumbai Indians.

Deepak Hooda scored 28 runs off 26 balls in the last game but has had a modest run with the bat overall. With the team not scoring runs in the middle overs, Shahrukh Khan could replace Hooda in the eleven.

All-rounders: Harpreet Brar

Harpreet Brar has been effective with both bat and ball. Perhaps, PBKS haven’t used the Punjab all-rounder wisely. He could deliver better performances if Punjab use him well in the upcoming matches.

Bowlers: Nathan Ellis, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi

The addition of Nathan Ellis has only strengthened Punjab’s pace attack. Shami and Arshdeep Singh have been doing a great job in the powerplay as well as in death overs. Ravi Bishnoi too has received worldwide praise for his exceptional display of spin bowling.

He is picking wickets consistently, making heads turn with his array of variations. Bishnoi picked 2 for 25 runs in the last game against MI.