Top 3 Opening Pairings For KKR In IPL 2025

The opening partnership was crucial to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)’s success in IPL 2024. Sunil Narine had an outstanding season at the top, amassing a career-best 488 runs, including his first T20 century, while Phil Salt, who replaced him, provided vital stability with 435 runs.

Together, they formed the third-best partnership in the league with a total of 559 runs. However, ahead of IPL 2025, the duo has been split, as Salt moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on a much higher contract.

KKR has brought back Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who impressed when replacing Salt in the playoffs last season, and also signed South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who has over 3,000 IPL runs. So, how will KKR line up at the top in IPL 2025? Here are three possible options:

#1 Rahamanullah Gurbaz-Sunil Narine

KKR could stick with the Gurbaz-Narine partnership from last season’s playoffs, where they scored 44 runs in 3.2 overs in Qualifier One. Gurbaz’s steady 32 in the final, after Narine’s early dismissal, would provide continuity from the previous season, which is beneficial after a title win.

Narine has refined his batting skills in the IPL, addressing weaknesses like his vulnerability to short balls. Gurbaz, still just 23, has made significant improvements and has become more consistent in white-ball cricket, recently scoring an ODI century against Bangladesh on November 11.

While Gurbaz may not provide the same stability as Salt did, he has the ability to hit big and is mature enough to support Narine when needed. With Gurbaz, KKR can continue the ‘keeper-opener combination that helped resolve their balance issues last season.

#2 Venkatesh Iyer-Rahmanullah Gurbaz

KKR paid a hefty fee to acquire Venkatesh Iyer in the IPL 2025 auction. While some believe he could be a candidate for captaincy, the left-hander will have a crucial role even if he isn’t handed the armband.

With Shreyas Iyer unavailable, Venkatesh may be moved to number four, especially after his impressive middle-order performance in 2024, where he maintained a strike rate of over 150. However, KKR might also consider him as an opener, the position where he started his IPL career and still excels.

A Venkatesh-Gurbaz opening pair would offer stability, while Narine’s unpredictable batting has proven risky at times. His pinch-hitter role can backfire, putting pressure on the team, as seen in past seasons.

A better approach might be to keep Narine focused on bowling and use Venkatesh and Gurbaz at the top. Venkatesh has become more well-rounded, and Gurbaz’s aggressive batting complements his ability to find gaps. Narine can still be used strategically to surprise the opposition when needed.

#3 Quinton de Kock-Sunil Narin

Former Proteas captain de Kock has not been in peak form in the IPL or other T20 leagues for some time. Though still only 31, he plays less cricket than before and arrives at KKR with some questions surrounding his form.

However, KKR cannot overlook de Kock as part of their opening combination. The value he brings is significant, maintaining the stability Salt provided while adding the aggression and ruthlessness that Gurbaz brings to the table.

De Kock has great experience in Indian conditions, especially at Eden Gardens, and is a strong keeper and leader. His skills work well with Gurbaz and Venkatesh, making him a great partner for Narine. Venkatesh can bat at three or four, and Gurbaz can learn a lot from de Kock.

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