Huge Blow For KKR Ahead Of RR Clash! Sunil Narine Sidelined From Action In Assam, Skipper Ajinkya Rahane Names Replacement

The Kolkata Knight Riders suffer an early setback before they lock horns against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. All-rounder and opener Sunil Narine will be missing out from action, as revealed by skipper Ajinkya Rahane during the toss. Narine is said to be unwell. Moeen Ali has been named as the replacement. The defending champions miss out on Narine's services, who provide quality outcomes for the Knight Riders while batting as well as bowling.

KKR Open Against RR Without Sunil Narine, Rahane Names Moeen Ali As Replacement

The Kolkata Knight Riders did not have a favourable start to their title defence. They lost the season opener clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on its home turf at Eden Gardens. Ajinkya Rahane began his run as Knight Riders' skipper with a loss, which could be upsetting for the side. Kolkata now locks horns against Rajasthan at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, and they are functioning without their prime figure as Sunil Narine is unwell.

Apart from Narine being sidelined, the KKR's Playing XI does not feature Angkrish Raghuvanshi either. The batter was replaced by Vaibhav Arora, while the 20-year-old has been named as an impact substitute.

For Rajasthan Royals, stand-in skipper Riyan Parag has revealed that Fazalhaq Farooqi misses out on action, with Wanindu Hasaranga finding a spit on the XI.

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Moeen Ali Needs To Stand Out For KKR Today

Sunil Narine gave Kolkata Knight Riders the push they needed in the season opener match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After Quinton de Kock was dismissed early, Narine forged a partnership with skipper Ajinkya Rahane and raked up huge shots. While he missed out on his half-century, the all-rounder picked up 44 runs off 26 balls before being dismissed.

While Moeen Ali isn't a proper like-for-like replacement for Sunil Narine, the Englishman has proved his worth from time to time. It is yet to be seen whether he stands out against the Rajasthan Royals.  

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