One of the top players, Sunil Narine, was not physically fit to play against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 2025 Indian Premier League, therefore the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost out on him. Moeen Ali thereafter took his place. The 37-year-old took two wickets with the ball but wasn’t very effective with the bat. KKR will struggle to select a side for the upcoming match after this performance.
Moeen Ali discussed his time with the team during the post-match presentation. He is playing with KKR for the first time. The all-rounder stated that he received word in the morning that he had been included to the team. With numerous excellent players on the club, KKR currently appears to be a well-rounded team.
“It was nice. I have been practising well. I was told this morning that Sunil was not well. It was hard to replace Sunil but I did a fair job. Those are the wickets you enjoy the most, try and open the batters up, spin the ball as much as you can. Really good, really good bunch of guys, it’s been amazing so far. Trying to get better at 37-years-old.”
Moeen Ali
I was the unlucky one facing him: Moeen Ali
Because he was opening for KKR with Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali had to face Jofra Archer in the second innings. He stated in the presentation that he hasn’t played Archer since the Ashes because he was “too quick” for him. Ali attempted to defend the player, but it appeared that he was having difficulty doing so the entire time.
“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. Just to stay on top of your game and still try to improve and develop. Use my experience and keep the stumps in play and to the left-handers in particular bowl it tight.”
Moeen Ali
