Published on April 15, 2025 | IPL 2025 Insights | Author: Cricket Chronicle Desk
Welcome to Mullanpur: A New Chapter in Punjab Kings’ IPL Journey
As IPL 2025 unfolds with gripping action, electrifying performances, and record-breaking moments, all eyes now turn toward the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Hosting the highly anticipated face-off between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), this newly constructed stadium is fast becoming a fortress for PBKS and a spectacular venue for cricket lovers. Built with state-of-the-art amenities and a capacity of over 35,000 spectators, the Mullanpur Stadium is named after Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, a celebrated figure in Punjab’s history and a passionate patron of sports. The venue has quickly gained praise for its lush outfield, balanced pitch, and scenic backdrop of the Shivalik hills. With the clash of PBKS and KKR approaching, fans are not only excited about the players but also curious about the conditions—pitch behavior, dew factor, and weather updates.
Slogan: “Mullanpur Roars: Where Legacy Meets Modern Cricket!”
Pitch Report: What to Expect from the Mullanpur Surface
The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is gaining a reputation for being a balanced surface that offers something for both batters and bowlers. Early on, fast bowlers enjoy good seam movement and bounce due to the fresh grass cover. However, as the match progresses, the pitch tends to flatten out, offering plenty of run-scoring opportunities. For spinners, the surface becomes handy in the second innings when the pitch dries out under the lights. The key for both teams will be to adapt quickly and assess the surface in the first few overs. Interestingly, the average first-innings score at this venue is hovering around 165-175, indicating that competitive totals are the norm. Captains winning the toss are likely to choose to bowl first, considering the dew factor that sets in later in the evening, making the ball skiddy and difficult to grip for spinners.
“Mullanpur’s wicket is a cricketing canvas—every stroke paints a new strategy.” – Aakash Chopra
Pitch Characteristics – At a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature | Balanced (Batting friendly with early pace and later spin) |
| Seam Movement | Noticeable in first 5-6 overs |
| Spin Support | Assists in second innings |
| Dew Factor | High; impacts second half significantly |
| Average First Innings Score | 165-175 |
| Boundary Size | 65-70 meters (standard) |
Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play a Role in PBKS vs KKR?
As fans gear up for the PBKS vs KKR clash at Mullanpur, the weather becomes a key consideration. According to meteorological predictions, the weather on match day is expected to be clear with partly cloudy skies during the evening. Temperatures will range between 28°C and 33°C, providing comfortable playing conditions. Humidity will hover around 50% to 60%, and the dew point is expected to be high—suggesting a significant dew effect post 8 PM. There is no forecast of rain, and wind speed is expected to be light, around 10-12 km/h. Overall, it should be a dry and exciting evening for both players and fans. For teams, it will be crucial to prepare for the wet outfield in the second innings, which could influence bowling strategies and fielding performance.
Mullanpur Weather Forecast for Match Day
| Time | Temperature | Humidity | Rain Probability | Dew Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 PM | 32°C | 50% | 0% | Low |
| 8 PM | 30°C | 55% | 0% | Medium |
| 10 PM | 28°C | 60% | 0% | High |
PBKS vs KKR: Head-to-Head at Neutral Venues
Both PBKS and KKR boast dynamic squads and a rich IPL history. Historically, KKR holds an edge in head-to-head matchups, but PBKS has shown promise in home conditions and is adapting swiftly to Mullanpur’s new home base. With power-hitters like Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, and Jonny Bairstow, PBKS can exploit the batting-friendly patches of the pitch. On the other hand, KKR’s bowling unit—spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakravarthy, and Sunil Narine—will relish the early swing and turn. The toss will play a vital role in dictating match momentum. Fans can expect an intense contest, possibly going down to the wire.
PBKS vs KKR – IPL Head-to-Head Summary
| Matches Played | PBKS Wins | KKR Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 12 | 20 | 0 |
“Every game is a battle of nerves, especially when PBKS meets KKR on unfamiliar turf.” – Harsha Bhogle
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About PBKS vs KKR at Mullanpur
Q1: What is the capacity of Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium?
A: The stadium can accommodate over 35,000 spectators and is equipped with modern amenities, including high-quality floodlights and digital screens.
Q2: Is there a dew factor in evening matches at Mullanpur?
A: Yes, dew becomes significant after 8 PM, which can influence bowling and fielding, especially in the second innings.
Q3: What type of pitch does the Mullanpur stadium offer?
A: The pitch is balanced, offering early seam for pacers, flat patches for batters, and support for spinners later in the game.
Q4: How is the weather for PBKS vs KKR?
A: The weather forecast is clear with mild humidity. There is no chance of rain, making it ideal for uninterrupted gameplay.
Q5: Who are the players to watch in PBKS vs KKR?
A: Key players include Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, and Sam Curran for PBKS, and Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Mitchell Starc for KKR.
Predicted Playing Elevens
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
- Shikhar Dhawan (C)
- Jonny Bairstow
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Shahrukh Khan
- Sam Curran
- Harpreet Brar
- Kagiso Rabada
- Arshdeep Singh
- Rahul Chahar
- Rishi Dhawan
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Nitish Rana
- Andre Russell
- Rinku Singh
- Sunil Narine
- Mitchell Starc
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for Fireworks at Mullanpur
The stage is set at Mullanpur for what promises to be a high-octane clash between PBKS and KKR. With the pitch offering an even contest, clear weather, and a buzzing crowd expected, this match could very well be one of the season’s highlights. For PBKS, playing at their new home stadium brings an emotional edge and an opportunity to make Mullanpur a new fortress. For KKR, it’s about adapting quickly and leveraging their bowling strengths. No matter the outcome, cricket fans are in for an exciting ride. As IPL 2025 progresses, Mullanpur’s significance will only grow as one of India’s premier cricketing destinations.
Slogan: “From the heart of Punjab, Mullanpur shines—where cricket dreams take flight!”
Stay connected with Cricket Chronicle for more pitch reports, match insights, and IPL 2025 updates.
