Sunil Narine to be axed as opener? KKR coach makes colossal revelation

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Ottis Gibson opened up about whether the franchise will be making any changes in their opening combination for the next match against Lucknow Super Giants. He mentioned that they aren't bothered by Sunil Narine's form, and there won't be any change in the opening.

Kolkata Knight Riders have been opening with Sunil Narine and Quinton de Kock in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, they haven't been as successful as they were in the last edition of the tournament, which they won under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer.

Sunil Narine hasn't been at his best with the bat in the IPL 2025 for Kolkata Knight Riders

While Quinton de Kock has had his moments in the league so far, Sunil Narine hasn't been able to get going at all. The all-rounder started the league with a decent hand against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but it wasn't as fluent as we have seen him play in the league.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

In the next three games, Sunil Narine failed terribly. The batter bagged low scores, and him not firing at the top has been one of the main reasons why Kolkata Knight Riders have struggled to score big. He has come under scanner with rising calls to send him to the lower order.

We all know on his day, he can take away the match from the opposition - Ottis Gibson on Sunil Narine

But Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Ottis Gibson isn't worried about Sunil Narine's form. He said that the all-rounder is working hard in the nets and they aren't thinking of changing the opening pair. Speaking to reporters, he said (as quoted by RevSportz):

"Sunil Narine's form is not a concern at all. It is still early stages of the tournament and he's working hard at the nets. We all know on his day, he can take away the match from the opposition. No change in opening pair".

Ottis Gibson also talked about the conditions for tomorrow's game and said: "It is an afternoon game and we all know the heat will have its impact but all these players have played IPL, they know the rigours of IPL evening games and afternoon games."

We know how hard Vaibhav is working with Bravo and Arun to get everything right - Ottis Gibson

Ottis Gibson also lavished rich praise on the Kolkata Knight Riders bowler Vaibhav Arora, saying that India pacer has been tremendous and it allowed them to drop Spencer Johnson. While talking further about the same, he said:

"Vaibhav has been tremendous for us. That is why we were able to drop Spencer Johnson, an international bowler, to accommodate an extra spinner. Both Harshit and Vaibhav have been really good for us. We know how hard Vaibhav is working with Bravo and Arun to get everything right."

KKR are having a decent time in the IPL 2025. They have won 2 games so far and would be keen to get their third win.

Read Also: Shahbaz Ahmed reveals Rishabh Pant’s mood amid struggles, orders Digvesh Rathi to stop notebook celebration