Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have suffered a significant setback ahead of the crucial resumption of the IPL 2025 season, with star all-rounder Moeen Ali deciding not to return to India due to personal reasons. This news comes just two days before their pivotal clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday, May 17, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
ESPN Cricinfo reported the development on Thursday, stating that the 37-year-old former England international has opted out of the remainder of the tournament. KKR had secured Moeen’s services for Rs 2 crore in the mega auction last year, and he featured in six matches this season, picking up six wickets and scoring five runs in his two batting appearances for the Ajinkya Rahane-led side.
Adding to KKR’s woes, reports also suggest that West Indies batter and former T20I captain Rovman Powell might miss the remaining two league matches. Powell is reportedly nursing an unspecified injury, casting doubt over his availability.
“Moeen Ali has opted out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to personal reasons. KKR are also awaiting an update from Rovman Powell, who is nursing an unspecified injury that may hamper his participation. Powell had been in Dubai along with the rest of KKR’s West Indies contingent while being in close consultation with the medical staff,” the ESPN Cricinfo report stated.
The franchise, owned by Shah Rukh Khan, is reportedly exploring options to sign at least one short-term replacement to bolster their squad.
Despite these setbacks, KKR can take solace in the fact that their other overseas contingent, including former South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson, and Afghanistan stumper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, have all arrived in Bengaluru.
The three-time IPL champions, currently sixth in the points table with 11 points from 12 matches, are still in contention for a playoff spot. They will need to win their remaining two matches by a significant margin and hope that only one of Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Lucknow Super Giants reaches 15 or more points to secure the fourth spot and a place in the eliminator on May 30.
The KKR squad is scheduled to resume their training at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium today as they gear up for their must-win encounter against RCB on Saturday. The absence of Moeen Ali and the uncertainty surrounding Powell’s fitness will undoubtedly present a challenge for the Knight Riders as they enter the business end of the tournament.