Champions Trophy Winner To Partner Narine; KKR's Probable Bowling Unit In IPL 2025

KKR bowling combination [Source: @iplt20.com]

The wait is almost over as Cricket's biggest carnival, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is just around the corner and the buzz has reached its peak with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match of the upcoming season.

KKR are the defending champions and under a new leader will look to start the tourhament with a win against RCB. Last season, their bowlers delivered the goods as KKR triumphed and won the league for the third time. 

This season too, they have a strong bowling unit and here is their probable bowling combination for the upcoming season.

No place for Nortje, Aussie star in

Anrich Nortje was a shrewd buy from the KKR owners, however, he got injured prior to the Champions Trophy and even though he has recovered from the injury, there are still doubts on his fitness level.

On the other hand, Spencer Johnson has had an average IPL career, but the left-arm angle could make him a first choice pacer.

(IPL stats of Nortje, Johnson)

As per the stats, Nortje clearly has the edge, however, he is coming off an injury and Johnson can do what Mitch Starc did for them in the last season. His left-arm angle with a bit of pace can be the decisive factor for KKR.

Chakaravarthy to partner Narine

The ever-reliable duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy will partner each other and will create havoc for the opposition batters. The duo was instrumental in KKR's title triumph last season and will be the X-factors once again.

(Narine, Chakravarthy IPL 2024 stats)

The two stars were the dominant force last season and this was evident in their stats. While the 12 crore star, Narine, picked up 17 wickets, Chakravarthy bettered him and scalped 21 to his name. They will be joined by new signing, Mayank Markande as KKR believe in playing three spinners.

Harshit Rana, to be the main pacer, Russell the supporting act

Last season was a breakout year for Harshit Rana as he exceeded all expectations and delivered a campaign to remember. The tearaway pacer was involved in controversies, but that didn't hinder his performance as he scalped 19 wickets in 13 matches, with an economy of 9.08.

Alongside him, Russell will be the supporting act as KKR know his worth as a bowler and the West Indian all-rounder has the capability to bowl 4 overs in every game.

KKR's probable bowling unit for IPL 2025

Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, Mayank Markande, Andre Russell.

Impact player- Vaibhav Arora.

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