Moeen Ali Steps Up For KKR In Sunil Narine’s Absence; Delivers Key Performance

Making his debut for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2025 IPL, Moeen Ali played a crucial role in the team’s eight-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

With Sunil Narine unwell and unavailable for the match, Ali stepped in and delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking 2 wickets for 23 runs.

Reflecting on his performance, Moeen said, “It was hard to replace Sunil, but I did a fair job.  I was practicing well, and when I was told this morning that Sunil wasn’t playing, I just tried to step up. Those are the wickets you enjoy the most, trying to open the batters up and spin the ball as much as possible.”

Moeen Ali On KKR’s Balance And His Role In The Team

Moeen also expressed his satisfaction with the KKR squad, highlighting the team’s depth and balance.

“It’s been amazing so far. We have a really good bunch of guys, and at 37 years old, I’m trying to improve every day. It’s a very balanced side with amazing players like Narine, Russell, and Quinny. They are always guaranteed to play, so it’s tough to get into the team. I’m just taking my chance when it comes and making the most of it,” he added.

Facing Jofra Archer: Moeen’s Experience

When asked about facing Jofra Archer, Moeen recalled his challenge against the fast bowler.

“I haven’t faced that kind of fast bowling probably since the Ashes. I was the unlucky one to face him, and he was too quick for me. It’s about staying on top of your game, improving, and using my experience to keep the stumps in play, especially against the left-handers. You just try to bowl it tight,” Moeen explained.

Quinton de Kock Guides KKR’s Chase With Unbeaten 97

Quinton de Kock played a pivotal role in KKR’s successful chase, scoring an unbeaten 97 to lead the team to victory.

He credited the dew factor and KKR’s decision to bat second as advantages that helped them chase down the target.

“It was nice to get the opportunity and make it count. To be honest, I haven’t faced any challenges yet after not playing international games for South Africa. I had a 3-month break, which felt nice, and a 10-day build-up to this season,” said de Kock.

De Kock On Strategy And Team Unity

De Kock revealed that KKR did not focus on accelerating the chase for the net run rate.

“The wicket wasn’t suited for that kind of game. The ball was turning and stopping. It was a working man’s wicket. We didn’t discuss speeding up the chase; it was all about just getting the job done,” he said.

Looking at the team dynamics, de Kock expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from the KKR camp.

“I love meeting new people and being in new environments. Sometimes, a team takes a while to accept you, but here at KKR, they accepted me right away with open arms. It feels good to be a part of this team,” he concluded.

With contributions from both Moeen Ali and Quinton de Kock, KKR dominated the Rajasthan Royals, showing their depth and adaptability.

The win bolstered their position in the IPL 2025 tournament as the defending champions continued their quest for another title.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RR vs KKR – Match Details, Streaming Info & Head-To-Head Stats