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Why Did KKR Send Moeen Ali To Open With Quinton De Kock In IPL 2025 Match Vs RR?

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Moeen Ali for KKR [Source: @LoyalSach/x.com]Moeen Ali for KKR [Source: @LoyalSach/x.com]

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The Indian Premier League is gifting some high intensity clashes to the fans and followers. In the sixth match of the tournament, the Rajasthan Royals are taking on the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Assam

In what seemed a surprised move, KKR dropped their West Indian star, Sunil Narine for the game and played Moeen Ali in the match. The English all-rounder delivered for the team with the ball and was also sent to open for the team in the second innings.

With Narine not playing, it was expected that the Captain, Ajinkya Rahane will open the innings. However, the move of Moeen Ali opening the innings surprises a few fans. 

So, here are few reasons Moeen Ali opened the innings for KKR.

1. To Provide Quick Start While Chasing A Moderate Total

The prime motive behind the batting order shift was that Moeen Ali goes after the bowling and provides KKR with a quick start in the moderate chase. However, Ali struggled on a slowish wicket and fell to run out after scoring 5 runs off 12 deliveries. The move failed for the defending champions in the end.

2. Keeping The Strength And Depth In The Middle Order

Ajinkya Rahane showed in the first game of the tournament, that he can come at number three and provide dynamism, strength and depth to the batting line-up. Now after the early dismissal of Moeen Ali, it is exactly what KKR would need.

3. Allowing Quinton de Kock To Bat Freely At The Top Of The Order

In the first match, QDK struggled to get going with the bat. So, the presence of Moeen Ali would have allowed de Kock to get set and then take toll of the batting. Even though it worked the other way, as de Kock took on the bowlers and Ali was trying to find his way into the innings, the strategy would have been to allow de Kock enough freedom to build the innings at his own pace.