Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have received a significant boost ahead of their IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians (MI), as star all-rounder Sunil Narine has been declared fit to play. Narine, who missed the previous match against the Rajasthan Royals due to illness, has now fully recovered.
Head coach Chandrakant Pandit confirmed his availability, stating, “Sunil is 100% fit. He has been practicing since Saturday and is in good shape.” KKR will take on MI at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, and Narine’s return strengthens their squad as they look to build momentum in the tournament.
Chandrakant Pandit Addresses Pitch Controversy
KKR has been at the center of a pitch controversy at Eden Gardens, with concerns about the home advantage being nullified due to unfavorable pitch conditions. Recently, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane had expressed a desire for the Eden Gardens pitch to offer more turn. However, coach Pandit downplayed the issue, stating that the team must adapt to whatever pitch they are given.
“As a coach and team management, we play on the surface provided. The control over pitch conditions lies with the curator, not us. Right now, our focus is entirely on the upcoming match against MI,” Pandit explained. When asked whether KKR has any say in pitch preparation, he responded, “Franchises don’t have control over wickets. As team management, we may have expectations, but ultimately, the pitch is not in our hands.”
Mumbai Indians Seek First Win at Home
Mumbai Indians will be playing their first home game of the season at Wankhede Stadium after suffering two consecutive defeats. They will be eager to register their first victory in front of their home crowd. Meanwhile, KKR, having already secured a win in the tournament, will look to maintain their form and challenge MI in their own territory. The match is set to be a crucial one for both teams, with KKR aiming to capitalize on their strengths and MI desperate to get off the mark in IPL 2025.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.