Moeen Ali And...? 3 Overseas KKR Players Who Might Not Get A Single Match In IPL 2025
Moeen Ali [Source: @Berkman98/x.com]
Kolkata Knight Riders will be eager to extend their reign as IPL champions for one more year. During the IPL 2025 auction, KKR seemed bent on repurchasing their old players and restoring a similar team combination that brought them success in the last edition.
One of the major things to notice from KKR’s auction strategy was how they planned to pick up a backup overseas player for the four they mainly planned to play during the tournament. This has given them plenty of options in the overseas department; however, it also means that a few of their overseas recruits might not get a chance to play during the tournament.
3. Rovman Powell
The West Indian T20 skipper is a power hitter who can sometimes deliver with the ball. During the mega auction, the KKR franchise bought him for INR 1.50 Cr. Rovman Powell's abilities as a T20 Player make him a like-to-like replacement for the KKR legend Andre Russell. Russell is an injury-prone player, so this strategy by KKR looks tactically sound. The franchise might use Powell to manage Andre Russell's workload; however, there is little chance that Powell will get a go in the playing 12.
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz [Source: @KnightClub_KKR/x.com]
The Afghan keeper and opening batter is known for his aggressive and consistent run-scoring at the top of the order. Rahmanullah Gurbaz cost INR 2 Cr to KKR during the IPL 2025 auction. However, with Quinton de Kock in their side, KKR will look to use the South African as their opening batter and wicketkeeper. Thus, in QDK’s presence, Gurbaz might not get a lot of chances to play during IPL 2025.
1. Moeen Ali
This experienced English all-rounder was a part of the Chennai Super Kings till the last season of IPL. KKR bought him for INR 2 Cr during the mega auction. Moeen Ali can be very effective with his aggressive batting in the middle-order and efficient overs of spin. However, Sunil Narine successfully played this role for KKR last season. Given Narine’s contribution to the franchise, they will definitely start him ahead of Ali. Thus Ali looks more like a backup option, in the case Narine gets injured or the strategy with him does not work.