Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be against each other in the 31st game of IPL 2025. Punjab Kings have lost track in their last three games while KKR have picked up pace in their previous three matches. It promises to be a cracking encounter between two strong teams.

Punjab Kings lost their last game against SRH by eight wickets even after scoring 246 runs. Lockie Ferguson’s injury was a big blow, but their bowling has been below average in the last few games. Yuzvendra Chahal struggled, and Arshdeep Singh has failed to pick up wickets with the new ball, similarly to Marco Jansen. Batting-wise, things are going great for them with Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh and Nehal Wadehra doing well. 

However, Glenn Maxwell’s form is a concern. Punjab is in the 6th position with three wins and two defeats. They will be eager to win this game and move up in the points table.

Kolkata Knight Riders have won two of their last three games. They defeated CSK in a one-sided contest by eight wickets in their last match. The bowlers have been in top form and Ajinkya Rahane has led the batting group quite well.

However, there is room for improvement for KKR too. Andre Russell is yet to fire and Venkatesh Iyer has been hot and cold as well. Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have been brilliant with the ball for the defending champions. They just need consistency from the batters. 

In this article, we will look at the possible playing XIIs, Mullanpur pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 prediction for the 31st match of IPL 2025.

IPL 2025 31st Match: PBKS vs KKR Possible Playing XIIs

Azmatullah Omarzai or Xavier Bartlett may replace Lockie Ferguson in this game.

Punjab Kings: 1. Prabhsimran Singh (wk), 2. Priyansh Arya, 3. Shreyas Iyer (c), 4. Nehal Wadehra, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Shashank Singh, 8. Suryansh Shedge, 9. Marco Jansen, 10. Arshdeep Singh, 11. Xavier Bartlett 12. Yuzvendra Chahal (Impact)

Spencer Johnson should replace Moeen Ali in the XI for KKR.

Kolkata Knight Riders: 1. Quinton de Kock, 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 4. Venkatesh Iyer, 5. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 6. Rinku Singh, 7. Andre Russell, 8. Ramandeep Singh, 9. Harshit Rana, 10. Spencer Johnson, 11. Varun Chakaravarthy 12. Vaibhav Arora (Impact)

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium Mullanpur Pitch Report and Weather

From what we’ve seen at Mullanpur so far this season, there will be movement for the pacers with the new ball and the batters will enjoy their time at the crease. Priyansh Arya scored a hundred in the last game played here. There will be little to no help for the spinners and batters are expected to dominate the game after the new ball burst.

Scores in the range of 190-210 are expected and teams will look to chase if they win the toss. The weather will be clear with no chance of rain. The temperature will be around 28-29 degrees Celsius at the start of the game.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for PBKS vs KKR: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks: 

• Prabhsimran Singh looked in excellent touch in the last game. He will take the attack to the opposition and can score big in the powerplay itself. He scored a 20-ball 54 against KKR last season. 
• Quinton de Kock is another important pick for this match. He will have to be cautious against Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen, but he’ll be in for a big score if he gets past them.   

Key batter picks: 

• Shreyas Iyer will be against his former side in this game. He has been in sublime form this season with 250 runs in five games at an average of 83.33 and strike rate of 208.33 with three fifties to his name. He will be a top C/VC pick.
• Ajinkya Rahane has 204 runs in six games this season with two fifties to his name. He has looked in good touch and has played aggressively. Rahane will be an important batter for his side at number 3.
• Priyansh Arya scored a brilliant century in the last game on this ground. He has been in top form in the last couple of games and will be a good fantasy pick. KKR will attack him with Vaibhav Arora and maybe even Sunil Narine in the powerplay. 

Top all-rounder picks: 

• Sunil Narine will be a top fantasy pick for this game. He single-handedly thrashed CSK in the last match. He will fetch points from both bat and ball. Narine has 34 wickets and 251 runs against the Punjab Kings in the IPL. 
• Marcus Stoinis will do the late-hitting duties and should bowl 2-3 overs in this game. He can be a top differential pick for this game. Stoinis struck four sixes in four balls against Mohammed Shami in the last over of the last match.   

Key bowler picks: 

• Arshdeep Singh has 10 wickets in nine games against KKR. He will fancy his chances against KKR’s top three. The left-arm seamer can pick up wickets for fun on his day.
• Harshit Rana will be an important bowler for KKR. He has bowled well with both new ball and then towards the end of the innings. Rana will be a top fantasy pick, especially while bowling second.
• Varun Chakaravarthy has eight wickets against Punjab in eight matches. He will fancy his chances against Punjba’s middle order as they all like to bat aggressively which will keep Varun in the game. 

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

• Yuzvendra Chahal has 29 wickets in 22 games against KKR. His current form has been abysmal but he can be a game-changer in fantasy cricket in this match. Try him in the big leagues. 
• Andre Russell will be a good fantasy pick if Spencer Johnson is not playing as in he becomes the third pacer in that case. His form with the bat is below average but try him while bowling first.
• Vaibhav Arora
• Shashank Singh
• Venkatesh Iyer
• Rinku Singh (Chasing)

Other Matchups and Facts 

• Head to Head: Matches: 33; PBKS 12, KKR 21.
• Glenn Maxwell vs Sunil Narine: 82 deliveries, 84 runs, 4 dismissals.
• Shreyas Iyer vs Andre Russell: 54 deliveries, 63 runs, 5 dismissals.
• Marcus Stoinis vs Andre Russell: 33 deliveries, 34 runs, 5 dismissals.
• Quinton de Kock vs Yuzvendra Chahal: 39 deliveries, 44 runs, 6 dismissals.
• Ajinkya Rahane vs Arshdeep Singh: 16 deliveries, 21 runs, 2 dismissals.
• Ajinkya Rahane vs Yuzvendra Chahal: 39 deliveries, 61 runs, 3 dismissals.
• Venkatesh Iyer vs Marco Jansen: 18 deliveries, 14 runs, 3 dismissals.
• Marcus Stoinis vs Varun Chakaravarthy: 12 deliveries, 8 runs, 2 dismissals.

IPL 2025 31st Match: PBKS vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

IPL 2025 31st Match: PBKS vs KKR Match Prediction: Who will win?

Both sides have been in good form till now. Punjab Kings need their bowlers to step up while KKR needs consistency with the bat. This game will be decided on which team can bowl well. Based on current form, squad depth and matchups; KKR should win this game.