Sunil Narine was unavailable for Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) previous match against Rajasthan Royals due to illness. KKR is set to face Mumbai Indians (MI) in their third match of IPL 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.
Narine missed the game against Rajasthan Royals after falling ill on the morning of March 26, requiring medical attention, though he returned to the team hotel later that evening. He was replaced in the playing XI by England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who impressed with the ball, taking 2/23 in his four-over spell. However, Ali’s batting performance was underwhelming, as he scored just five runs off 12 balls while opening the innings.
IPL 2025: Will Sunil Narine Feature in the MI vs KKR Clash on Monday, 31st March?
Recent reports from ESPNcricinfo reveal that Sunil Narine has returned to training and is likely to be available for Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) upcoming match against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday evening at Wankhede Stadium.
Narine’s return would likely see Moeen Ali making way for him in the playing XI. Narine was KKR’s second-highest scorer in their season opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), scoring 44 runs off 26 balls. He also impressed with the ball, taking the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal while conceding just 27 runs in his spell.
Earlier, Moeen Ali expressed his readiness for his potential debut with KKR, saying, “I’ve been practising well, and I just try to be ready all the time. I was told this morning that Sunny [Narine] was unwell and to be prepared for whenever needed. It’s obviously hard to replace Sunny, but I felt like I did a nice job.”
The match will also mark the first IPL 2025 game at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. After losing their opening two matches, MI will be eager to turn things around on home turf.