Iyer returns to Eden Gardens to lead Punjab's charge against struggling KKR

The iconic Eden Gardens is set to witness an emotionally charged clash on Saturday as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host high-flying Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 44 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

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The game, already carrying significant playoff implications, will have an added layer of drama as Shreyas Iyer returns to the city he once called home, now wearing the colours of the opposition.

Iyer, who captained KKR to their third IPL title last year and ended a decade-long wait for glory, was surprisingly not retained by the franchise ahead of this season.

The baton was handed to Ajinkya Rahane, but the move has backfired with KKR languishing in seventh place.

They've managed just three wins from eight games and are teetering on the edge of elimination. Another defeat could close the door on their top-four aspirations.

For Iyer, Saturday’s game is personal. After being let go by the Knight Riders, he found purpose with Punjab Kings under the mentorship of Ricky Ponting, his former coach at Delhi Capitals.