Moeen Ali had no clue Sunil Narine was unwell till few hours before KKR vs RR IPL 2025 match

Moeen Ali revealed that he wasn’t aware that he would be participating in Kolkata Knight Riders’ match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday evening until the morning of game day. Stepping in for an ill Sunil Narine, the experienced English all-rounder played a crucial role in restricting RR with figures of 2-23 in four overs, before opening the batting alongside Quinton de Kock.

Speaking post-match after KKR’s eight-wicket win, Moeen explained how he was drafted in last-minute to play in Guwahati. “I was told this morning Sunil was not well. It was hard to replace Sunil but I did a fair job,” explained Moeen. “Those are the wickets you enjoy the most, try and open the batters up, spin the ball as much as you can.”

Moeen was drafted in during the auction as cover for Narine, and this came into play very early for KKR in the tournament. All five bowlers KKR used took a wicket, with four of the five taking two wickets to restrict the nominal hosts to 151-9 in their 20 overs.

Moeen looks forward to more chances for KKR

Moeen then also stepped out to open, ahead of Venkatesh Iyer. However, it wasn’t a very comfortable stay for Moeen, as he struggled particularly against the pace of Jofra Archer. He was ultimately run out on 5(12).

Explaining his trouble against Archer, Moeen explained how not playing express pace in recent months was the cause. “I have not faced that sort of fast bowling probably since the Ashes. I was the unlucky one facing him, he was too quick for me,” he credited his national teammate, who has nonetheless continued to be expensive this IPL.

De Kock’s 97* guided KKR’s chase despite losing his opening partner, with skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi holding up the other end. Speaking about the energy within the camp for the defending champions, and how he was happy to get a chance given the quality in the side.

“Really good, really good bunch of guys, it’s been amazing so far,” said the 37-year-old. “It’s a very very balanced side, all these players are amazing, Narine, Russell and Quinny always guaranteed to play so it’s tough to get in. Take your chance when it comes and make the most of it.”

KKR’s next assignment will see them travel all the way across the country from Guwahati to Mumbai, where they are set to face off against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.