IPL 2021, KKR vs PBKS: Kolkata Aim To Strengthen Hopes Of Playoff Spot Against Depleted Punjab At Dubai

Kolkata Knight Riders are currently at number four in IPL points table and if they win today's match, their chances of making it to the playoffs will further strengthen.

New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders are all set to take on Punjab Kings in today's IPL 2021 Phase 2 game at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday. KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings are currently at number six spot in IPL 2021 points table and today its a do or die for them as their chances of qualifying for IPL 14 playoffs hugely depend on the outcome of today's match.

Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, are currently at number four in IPL points table and if they win today's match, their chances of making it to the playoffs will further strengthen.Talking about playing XI for today's match, both the teams will most likely make changes in their playing XI.

Kolkata Knight Riders have won 5 matches out of 11 matches in IPL 14 and three out of their four games in the UAE leg. The side led by Eoin Morgan have successfully defeated Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals.A fit-again Andre Russell will likely replace Tim Southee in the playing XI.

Punjab Kings have won 4 out of 11 IPL games and just won one out of three matches they played in the UAE leg. Punjab is most likely to make two changes in their playing XI for today's match. Mayank Agarwal, who was benched against Mumbai Indians in last game, can replace Mandeep Singha in the playing XI. Chris Gayle left the tournament midway citing bio-bubble fatigue, Fabian Allen will most likely replace him in Punjab's playing XI.

Punjab Kings Probable Playing XI: KL Rahul (Captain), Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Ishan Porel, Ravi Bishnoi, Harpreet Brar, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Aiden Markram, Deepak Hooda, Fabian Allen.

Kolkata Knight Riders Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (c), Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Lockie Ferguson, Sandeep Warrier and Varun Chakraborty