April 15, 2025: In a high-stakes IPL 2025 encounter, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders, captained by veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane. The match, taking place at a key juncture in the tournament, holds vital playoff implications for both sides.
Iyer, addressing the decision at the toss, said,
“Looks like a good batting surface. We want to put runs on the board and then defend it. The team is in a good space, and we’re backing our strengths.”
Punjab Kings have seen mixed results this season, with Iyer stepping in as captain and bringing much-needed composure to the middle order. His strategic leadership has been evident in close matches, and the decision to bat first reflects confidence in his team’s top order.
On the other side, Ajinkya Rahane, leading KKR this season, acknowledged that they would have preferred to bat first too.
“We would’ve liked to bat as well, but we’re prepared for the chase. The team has been showing great intent, and we’re just focusing on executing our plans,” he said.
The match also sees a mini battle between seasoned pros — Iyer and Rahane — who have both led India in different capacities and now find themselves at the helm of IPL franchises in transitional phases.
The pitch at the venue is known for being batter-friendly early on, with potential assistance for spinners later in the game. Both teams have named balanced XIs with a mix of explosive hitters and versatile bowlers, setting the stage for a closely fought contest.