Moeen Ali’s Spin Masterclass Leads KKR to Victory Against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their first victory in IPL 2025 with a compelling performance against Rajasthan Royals (RR), restricting them to 151/9. Veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali played a pivotal role in the win, showcasing his strategic spin bowling alongside Varun Chakravarthy. With Sunil Narine sidelined due to illness, Moeen stepped up to fill the void, delivering an economical and impactful spell of 2/23.
Moeen’s performance highlighted his unique approach to spin bowling. Operating in tandem with the more enigmatic Varun, Moeen focused on building pressure early in the innings, creating opportunities for his partner to strike. “I’m used to bowling with somebody who is better than me and has more mystery than me,” Moeen explained, acknowledging the complementary nature of their partnership. “My job there is to bowl as tight as I can and hopefully that builds pressure for that person to then get wickets.” This strategy proved effective, stifling the Rajasthan Royals’ batsmen and contributing significantly to KKR’s victory.
Moeen’s astute cricketing mind was evident throughout his spell. He credits his batting experience for informing his bowling tactics, stating, “I think my skill is that I think like a batter. A lot of the time, I’m trying to think what they think, and it works in my favour.” This tactical awareness was exemplified by his dismissal of Nitish Rana, where he cleverly outfoxed the left-hander with a delivery that spun away from the bat, hitting the middle stump.
The dismissal of the dangerous Yashasvi Jaiswal further underscored Moeen’s ability to perform under pressure. While acknowledging that he may not possess the raw skillset of some other bowlers, Moeen emphasized the importance of his role in containing runs and maintaining pressure. “I don’t have the skill as other bowlers, but my job is to contain as much as I can. I think my skill is that I think like a batter,” he reiterated. “I knew there was a bit of pressure being built and I just tried to bowl a good area, spin the ball as hard as I can.”
Moeen’s contribution was even more impressive considering the short notice he received regarding his inclusion in the playing XI. Informed of Narine’s unavailability just hours before the match, Moeen embraced the challenge of replacing a key player. “I got told this morning that Sunny [Narine] was not well and to just be ready whenever,” he revealed. “Obviously, hard to replace Sunny but I felt like I did a nice job of it.”
The spin-friendly pitch provided a welcome change from the high-scoring encounters that characterized the early stages of the tournament. Moeen expressed his appreciation for these conditions, stating, “When the wicket is like this, you’re not going to get 300. You probably won’t even get 200, and it’s great to have these games in between those big games.” He also commented on the trend of fearless cricket in high-scoring matches, noting that while entertaining, they can create a “false sense of security.”
At 37, Moeen’s dedication to continuous improvement remains unwavering. “It’s just learning and trying to get better even at 37 years old,” he affirmed. Despite being part of a talent-laden KKR squad, Moeen’s focus remains firmly on contributing to the team’s success. He acknowledged the competitive environment within the team, stating, “It’s a very, very balanced side. The overseas players are amazing…it’s very difficult to get in, but it is how it is in good teams.”
Moeen Ali’s performance against Rajasthan Royals demonstrated his enduring value in T20 cricket. His tactical acumen, economical bowling, and ability to perform under pressure make him a vital asset for KKR as they pursue IPL glory in 2025.
