IPL 2025: Sunil Narine’s batting position to change after Gautam Gambhir’s exit? Report reveals
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Sunil Narine is all set to open the batting for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The allrounder had a fantastic season for KKR with the bat last year which has prompted the franchise to keep him at this spot.
Sunil Narine is one of the legendary players of the IPL and has been involved with the league for more than a decade now. Mostly known for his bowling, Narine's batting has drastically improved over the last few years.
In IPL 2024, KKR team management decided to give Narine a run at the opening position on the advice of Gautam Gambhir, who was their mentor last season. The move turned out to be highly successful as it changed the fortunes of the team and helped them win the trophy.
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KKR set to keep Sunil Narine as opener
According to the Bengali daily newspaper, Sangbad Pratidin, Sunil Narine is expected to open the batting for KKR in IPL 2025 as well, by looking at the team's first-day training session.
🚨📰|According to the first day training session Sunil Narine is expected to open the innings for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025.
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) March 13, 2025
- Sangbad Pratidin pic.twitter.com/MHbqR5OjY7
The KKR management is confident that Narine will provide them with good starts at the top once again this season. Narine can be used as a pinch-hitter at the top who can make full use of the powerplay restrictions.
Even if he gets out cheaply, it doesn't affect the team much as he is not a regular batter. But if he gets some quick runs, it will help his team get off to a flyer. He was extremely successful last year and KKR will hope for another good season for him this year.
While he is expected to open, it isn't yet confirmed who will be his opening partner. Knight Riders have a no. of options like Quinton de Kock, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and the skipper Ajinkya Rahane.
With so many options, it remains to be seen how they pick their opening pair for the season. They also have the option of Venkatesh Iyer, who is likely to bat in the top order for his team.
Sunil Narine in IPL 2025
Sunil Narine had a brilliant season last year with both bat and ball and was rightly adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. He scored 488 runs in 14 matches at an average of 34.86 and an astonishing strike rate of 180.74.
He even struck 1 hundred and 3 fifties with the bat and finished in the top ten run-getters for the season. With the ball, Narine was miserly as he picked up 17 wickets at an average of 21.65 and an economy rate of 6.69.
KKR will hope that Narine carries on his form for this season as well as he provides them with valuable options with both bat and ball. The 36-year-old has been a talismanic player for them over the years and helped them win two out of three IPL titles they have won so far.
KKR to face RCB in IPL 2025 opener
The IPL 2025 season will begin with the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22.
KKR had a memorable season last year as they dominated the league for most parts. They peaked at the right time and were close to unbeatable in the final stages of the season. They beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in both the Qualifier 1 and the final to clinch the title.
