Why Moeen Ali Isn’t Playing Today’s 1st Match of IPL 2025 Against RCB?

In the opening match of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all set to face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens. RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that could set the stage for a thrilling contest under the Kolkata lights. Both teams have made significant changes to their line-ups, with Spencer Johnson making his debut for KKR, adding strength to their pace attack.

On the other hand, RCB will rely on their top-order power hitters, including Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, while Liam Livingstone and Tim David will add firepower in the middle overs. Their bowling department is led by experienced campaigners like Josh Hazlewood and the promising Suyash Sharma, with Krunal Pandya providing the spin options.

KKR’s Playing XI consists of Quinton de Kock (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, and Ajinkya Rahane, along with the explosive all-rounders Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. The debutant Spencer Johnson will play a pivotal role in the pace department, and Varun Chakravarthy will spearhead the spin attack. World Cup winning England all rounder misses today’s IPL Match against RCB. Ali was bought for 2 Crores by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Moeen Ali not playing Today IPL Match against RCB | KKR vs RCB

Moeen Ali is not part of the playing XI for the opening match of IPL 2025, as the team’s combination and pitch conditions do not suit his inclusion. Eden Gardens is expected to offer a pitch that favors fast bowling, which has led the team to opt for a stronger pace attack. With overseas player slots already filled by Spencer Johnson, Quinton de Kock, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine, Moeen Ali’s role as an all-rounder doesn’t align with the current team balance, especially with the focus on fast bowlers.

With both teams boasting strong line-ups, this match promises to be an exciting start to IPL 2025.

Playing XI | KKR vs RCB

KKR XI – Quinton de Kock (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

RCB XI – Virat Kohli, Philip Salt (wk), Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

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