Sunil Narine Batting Position For KKR In IPL 2025 Confirmed? Report Reveals Details

Sunil Narine, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mainstay, will continue to open the innings for the franchise in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The team decided to retain the all-rounder after he had an outstanding season with the bat for KKR the previous season in IPL 2024.

One of the IPL's greatest players, Sunil Narine has been a part of the league for over ten years. Narine is primarily recognized for his bowling, although in recent years, his batting has improved.

Sunil Narine’s numbers in IPL 2024 for KKR

On the recommendation of Gautam Gambhir, who served as their mentor the previous season, the management of the KKR club chose to give Narine a chance at the starting position in the 2024 Indian Premier League. The transfer transformed the team's fortunes and helped them win the title, therefore it proved to be quite beneficial.

Last year, Narine was rightfully named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament after having an outstanding season with the bat and the ball. In 14 games, he amassed 488 runs with an incredible strike rate of 180.74 and an average of 34.86.

He even batted for a century and three fifties and placed among the season's top ten run scorers. Narine was frugal with the ball, taking 17 wickets at an economy rate of 6.69 and an average of 21.65.

Sunil Narine to continue opening the innings for KKR in IPL 2025

Based on the team's first-day training session, the Bengali daily newspaper Sangbad Pratidin claims that Sunil Narine will likely start batting for KKR in the 2025 Indian Premier League.

The management of KKR is sure that Narine will provide them strong starts at the top this season once more. With the ability to fully utilize the powerplay limitations, Narine can be deployed as a pinch hitter at the top.

🚨📰|According to the first day training session Sunil Narine is expected to open the innings for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025.

- Sangbad Pratidin pic.twitter.com/MHbqR5OjY7

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) March 13, 2025

KKR playing 11 looks tough on paper

Since he is not a regular hitter, the squad is not greatly impacted even if he is dismissed inexpensively. However, his team will start stronger if he gets some quick runs. He had a great season last year, and KKR is hoping for another strong one this year.

The Knight Riders had several choices for Narine's opening partner, including captain Ajinkya Rahane, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Quinton de Kock.

It's unclear how they will choose their season-opening pair with so many alternatives. Venkatesh Iyer, who is probably going to bat in the top order for his squad, is another option available to them.

Also Read: KKR CEO Openly Reveals Why Venkatesh Iyer Was Betrayed For IPL 2025 Captaincy