With Sunil Narine sidelined due to illness, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) relied on Moeen Ali, who delivered a strong performance with figures of 2 for 23 in his first game for the franchise. Alongside Varun Chakravarthy (2 for 17), Moeen played a crucial role in restricting Rajasthan Royals to 151 for 9 in Guwahati.
Replacing a key player like Narine is a significant challenge, but Moeen expressed satisfaction with his contribution. He stated that while Narine is irreplaceable, he was happy to have fulfilled his role effectively.
Experience and Tactical Approach
Moeen credited his batting experience for his success as a bowler, particularly highlighting his classic off-spinner’s dismissal of Nitish Rana. He emphasized that understanding a batter’s mindset helps him strategize better as a bowler.
The match provided a refreshing change from the high-scoring encounters that have dominated IPL 2025 so far. Moeen noted that such games offer a necessary balance amid the explosive run-fests seen in the tournament.
At 37 years old, Moeen remains eager to refine his skills, despite the competition for spots in KKR’s strong squad. He acknowledged the challenge of breaking into a well-balanced team but remains focused on continuous improvement.
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