Here is why Moeen Ali Isn’t Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Match 31 Against PBKS

Kolkata Knight Riders have made a notable change in their playing XI for the IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings, leaving out a high-profile overseas player from their starting lineup.

KKR fans were surprised to not see England all-rounder Moeen Ali in the team sheet for today’s match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

Rahane Confirms Moeen’s Omission at Toss

The decision was confirmed by KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane during the toss. In a tactical move, the team management has opted for additional pace over Moeen’s all-round ability, bringing in South African speedster Anrich Nortje instead.

Nortje, who missed the first few matches of the season due to injury, has now returned to full fitness. His inclusion is aimed at countering the aggressive Punjab top order, including the likes of Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Shreyas Iyer.

Playing XI and Impact Players for PBKS vs KKR

Punjab Kings (PBKS Playing XI):

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Subs: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR Playing XI):

Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy

Impact Subs: Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy

Moeen’s IPL 2025 So Far

Moeen Ali has had a quiet tournament so far and has not been able to make a strong impact with either bat or ball. With conditions in Mullanpur offering early movement for pacers, KKR felt Nortje’s express pace would give them a better edge.

Rahane hinted that the decision might be match-up specific and not necessarily a long-term exclusion.

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