Key Highlights:
The IPL 2025 action continues tonight with a mouth-watering clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 31 at the Mullanpur Stadium. For fantasy cricket lovers, this match offers multiple point-scoring opportunities, especially with several explosive hitters and wicket-takers in both squads.
Let’s explore the top Dream11 team picks, pitch insights, and strategy tips to help you maximize your fantasy points.
🧠 Match Preview & Fantasy Context
- Match: PBKS vs KKR, IPL 2025 Match 31
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
- Date & Time: April 15, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
- Live Streaming: JioCinema | TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
The pitch at Mullanpur is batting-friendly, and fantasy players should load their squads with top-order batters and spinners. With both teams being evenly matched (3 wins in 6 games), fantasy players must balance aggression with form.
🔥 Top Dream11 Player Picks
🧢 Wicketkeeper Options
- Jonny Bairstow (PBKS): Explosive at the top, capable of big knocks. Can keep wickets too.
- Phil Salt (KKR): Consistent, aggressive, and picks up quick points through boundaries.
🏏 Batters
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): The anchor of PBKS. Top-order consistency makes him a reliable pick.
- Rinku Singh (KKR): Known for late finishes, crucial for differential points.
- Ajinkya Rahane (KKR): Steady, mature player — a safe pick for runs.
🔥 All-Rounders
- Andre Russell (KKR): Fantasy favorite. Can change the game with bat and ball. Good captain choice.
- Sam Curran (PBKS): Bowls in powerplay and death, also contributes with bat. High fantasy ceiling.
🌀 Bowlers
- Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): Wicket-taker in middle overs. Great pick on flat pitches.
- Varun Chakaravarthy (KKR): Mystery spinner, especially effective in Mullanpur.
- Vijaykumar Vyshak (PBKS): If he plays, a budget option who bowls at death and might get 2+ wickets.
🏟️ Pitch Report (Mullanpur)
- Flat track with true bounce
- Average first innings score: 195+
- Spinners take more wickets than pacers in the middle overs
- Dew might impact second innings
🧮 Probable Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Jonny Bairstow (wk)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Sam Curran
- Sikandar Raza
- Harpreet Brar
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Arshdeep Singh
- Rahul Chahar
- Vijaykumar Vyshak (if Lockie Ferguson is ruled out)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Ajinkya Rahane (C)
- Phil Salt (wk)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Nitish Rana
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Sunil Narine
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Mitchell Starc
- Harshit Rana
- Anukul Roy
🌟 Dream11 Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
✅ Top Captain Picks
- Andre Russell (KKR): Can earn points in all 3 departments. High reward.
- Jonny Bairstow (PBKS): Capable of a 70+ score if he survives the powerplay.
✅ Top Vice-Captain Picks
- Sam Curran (PBKS): Good value for consistent 30+ with bat and 1-2 wickets.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): Could run through KKR’s middle order if it slows down.
📋 Dream11 Budget Team Sample
| Player | Type | Points Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Jonny Bairstow (VC) | Wicketkeeper | 70+ |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batter | 50+ |
| Phil Salt | Wicketkeeper | 50+ |
| Rinku Singh | Batter | 40+ |
| Andre Russell (C) | All-Rounder | 100+ |
| Sam Curran | All-Rounder | 60+ |
| Sunil Narine | All-Rounder | 40+ |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Bowler | 55+ |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Bowler | 50+ |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | 35+ |
| Vijaykumar Vyshak | Bowler | Budget pick |
💡 Dream11 Strategy Tips
- Pick all-rounders for points across departments. Russell and Curran are gold.
- Watch out for toss — swap in bowlers from the side bowling first.
- Don’t ignore budget bowlers like Vyshak or Anukul Roy if you need balance.
Match 31 of IPL 2025 between PBKS and KKR promises to be a Dream11 goldmine. With big names like Russell, Bairstow, and Chahal in action, fantasy players must rely on a balanced lineup combining current form, pitch suitability, and tactical roles.
Build your team smart, watch for last-minute changes, and track live fantasy scoring via the Dream11 app or Cricbuzz fantasy tab.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is intended to provide fantasy sports insights for entertainment and general guidance. Hindustan Herald does not promote or endorse betting or gambling in any form. Participation in fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 involves financial risk and may be addictive. Readers are advised to play responsibly and at their own discretion. Always check official announcements and team news before finalizing your Dream11 team.
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