KKR vs PBKS Live Streaming Guide – IPL 2026 Match 12 at Eden Gardens Tonight

Match 12 of IPL 2026 is here, and it is a proper blockbuster. Kolkata Knight Riders host Punjab Kings at the iconic Eden Gardens tonight, with KKR winning the toss and electing to bat first.

How to Watch KKR vs PBKS Live Tonight

Whether you are in India or abroad, there are multiple ways to catch every ball of tonight’s game live. Star Sports Network holds the broadcast rights in India, with JioCinema streaming it for free online. If you are outside India, check your local cricket broadcaster for coverage details.

Keep an eye on the IPL 2026 live streaming section for region-wise platform details as the match kicks off.

KKR vs PBKS Playing XI Today

Both sides have made some notable selection calls for tonight.

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

Big news from the KKR camp: both Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy are OUT of tonight’s XI. Narine is unwell while Varun picks up an injury. Powell and Saini come in as replacements. That is a massive shift in their spin options.

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

Match Context: Why This One Actually Matters

KKR come into this game winless in two, sitting at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table with an NRR of -1.964. For a team that won the title two seasons ago, this is unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, are flying. Two wins from two, NRR of +0.637, and the confidence of a team that nearly went all the way in 2025. Shreyas Iyer leads a settled, clinical side that clearly has a plan under Ricky Ponting.

The historical angle is interesting too. The last time KKR started 0-2, they went on to win the entire IPL tournament. But that was a very different squad, a very different time. This version of KKR is missing two of its biggest match-winners tonight.

Check the full KKR squad and fixtures and PBKS squad details to understand both sides better going into tonight.

Pitch Report and Venue Details: Eden Gardens

Rahane himself mentioned the pitch looks on the drier side at toss time, which is why KKR chose to bat. Expect the surface to slow up as the innings progresses, potentially making the chase tricky. For PBKS, Chahal could be a big weapon in the second half.

KKR vs PBKS Head to Head Timeline

These two franchises have had some tight contests over the years. Punjab Kings have traditionally struggled to get over the line in pressure knockouts, but this current side is built differently. Browse the full KKR vs PBKS head to head timeline for every match record and stat from their rivalry.

For a broader look at where all ten teams stand right now, the updated IPL 2026 schedule has everything match by match.

FAQs

Where can I watch KKR vs PBKS live tonight?

In India, Star Sports Network has the broadcast rights and JioCinema is streaming it free online. International viewers should check their local cricket broadcaster.

When does KKR vs PBKS start today?

The match starts at 7:30 PM IST on April 06, 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. That is 2:00 PM GMT and 10:00 AM ET.

Who won the toss in KKR vs PBKS Match 12?

Kolkata Knight Riders won the toss and chose to bat first.

Is Narine playing in KKR vs PBKS today?

No. Sunil Narine is out of tonight’s XI due to illness. Varun Chakravarthy is also absent with an injury. Rovman Powell and Navdeep Saini replace them.

What is the current points table position for KKR and PBKS?

Punjab Kings are 4th with 4 points from 2 wins. Kolkata Knight Riders are 9th with 0 points after two losses.

Who is the captain of Punjab Kings in IPL 2026?

Shreyas Iyer captains Punjab Kings this season, with Ricky Ponting as head coach.