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Kolkata Knight Riders have made two significant changes to their playing XI for their IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens. They are forced to go without their two main spinners - Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy - at the last moment.

 

The news of the changes were conveyed by the KKR captain at the toss, as Ajinkya Rahane spoke to the host broadcasters. These changes are not tactical but rather due to some fitness issues within the squad.

 

The start to the season for KKR has been very disappointing as they have lost their first two matches. They are still chasing their first points in the tournament and these last-minute changes put the KKR in more pressure.

 

Rahane confirms injury and illness behind big changes

 

At the time of the toss, Rahane elaborated on the reasons for the changes, "Two changes, forced. Varun Chakaravarthy got injured taking the catch in the last game and Narine is sick. Powell and Saini are in."

 

The main spin duo, Varun Chakravarthy injured his finger while taking a catch in the last match whereas Sunil Narine has reported unwell. Both players are very vital to the Kolkata Knight Riders particularly at the Eden Gardens where the spin has played a crucial role historically.

 

Replacing these two integral players, KKR have brought in Rovman Powell and Navdeep Saini. While Saini is on his debut for KKR, Powell brings in more power to their middle-order.

 

Also Read | MS Dhoni Comeback Date Announced for IPL 2026, But There’s One Big Condition

 

KKR under pressure, PBKS enter with confidence

 

KKR come into this match under severe pressure after suffering two consecutive defeats and losing two of their main players means that their task will become even more difficult. On the contrary, Punjab Kings come into this game full of confidence after victories over Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings in their previous matches.

 

KKR and PBKS Playing XIs

 

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

 

Kolkata Knight Riders: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Navdeep Saini, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi

 

These last-minute changes will mean that KKR will need a united effort from the other players to snatch a victory and get their IPL 2026 campaign off and running.