Star all-rounders Sunil Narine and Andre Russell are set to rejoin Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of their upcoming IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), as the tournament prepares to resume later this week following a brief suspension.
The remaining fixtures of the IPL 2025 season will begin on Saturday, May 17, with RCB taking on KKR at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. According to ESPN Cricinfo, Narine, Russell, Rovman Powell, and mentor Dwayne Bravo are in Dubai after leaving India and are set to return soon.
Sunil Narine has been a key performer this season, scoring 215 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 167.96, while also claiming 10 wickets. Russell has also contributed significantly, scoring 167 runs in 9 innings at a strike rate of 165.34and taking 8 wickets.
Most of KKR’s overseas players will reach Bengaluru between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Gurbaz will travel from Dubai with the West Indians, while Nortje will join from the Maldives. Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson, and Quinton de Kock’s return remains uncertain.
Is KKR Still in the Race for the IPL 2025 Playoffs?
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the defending champions after winning the IPL 2024 title, have struggled to replicate their success this season. Currently placed sixth on the points table, they have secured five wins and 11 points from 12 games.
With only two matches remaining—against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 17 and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 25—their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. If KKR manage to win both of their remaining fixtures, they will finish the league stage with 15 points.
However, with two teams already having 16 points, and others like Punjab Kings (15 points with three games in hand), Mumbai Indians (14 points with two games left), and Delhi Capitals (13 points from three matches) still in contention, 15 points might not be sufficient for a playoff spot.
Still, KKR will be aiming to win both matches and reach 15 points, while relying on favorable outcomes from other matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.
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