Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders will look to get out of the hole they find themselves in during these early days of IPL-19. Having lost both matches, the last by a margin that has seriously impacted their net run-rate, Ajinkya Rahane & Co are in desperate need of a win. Under the circumstances, this is not a good time to run into a team like Punjab Kings.

The Kings, whom the Knights meet at Eden Gardens on Monday, arrive on the back of two emphatic victories, including Friday’s smooth chase of 210 in Chennai. With all bases covered and clarity of purpose, they present an ominous prospect for opposing teams.