Last Updated:April 02, 2026, 20:37 IST
Aakash Chopra opined that it might be a good idea for veteran spinner Sunil Narine to open the bowling against SRH considering their top-order.
Sunil Narine. (X)
Three-time IPL winners Kolkata Knight Riders take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday in a crucial encounter for the side, who both lost their tournament openers.
KKR began their campaign with a defeat to Mumbai Indians, as half-centuries from former skipper Rohit Sharma and South African left-hander Ryan Rickelton carried the five-time winners over the line. KKR posted a total of 220, riding on fifties from captain Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, but were let down by their inexperienced bowling lineup.
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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra opined that it might be a good idea for veteran spinner Sunil Narine to open the bowling against SRH considering their top-order.
Narine to open the bowling today? To counter the three SRH lefties at the top. He hasn’t been bowling with the new ball much…but it’s a good idea to explore considering how depleted KKR’s bowling in general is. #KKRvSRH #IPL— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 2, 2026
“Narine to open the bowling today? To counter the three SRH lefties at the top. He hasn’t been bowling with the new ball much…but it’s a good idea to explore considering how depleted KKR’s bowling in general is.”
Rohit and Rickelton launched the chase confidently, scoring briskly and reaching partnership milestones in rapid succession. Rohit smashed 78 off 38 deliveries before former title-winning captain was dismissed by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, while Rickelton struck 81 off 43 balls before being run out by Ankul Roy.
Suryakumar Yadav contributed 16 off just 8 deliveries before Kartik Tyagi removed the Indian skipper. Tilak Verma followed with 20 off 14 balls, after which Hardik Pandya and Naman Dhir remained unbeaten to finish the chase in 19.1 overs, as the Mumbai side opened their quest for a sixth crown in emphatic fashion.
SRH, too, succumbed to a heavy defeat in their opener as defending champions RCB started their season with a statement win over Ishan Kishan and Co. as an unbeaten fifty from Virat Kohli took the holders past the Sunrisers in spectacular fashion.
First Published:
April 02, 2026, 18:38 IST
News cricket ‘Narine to Open Bowling’? Former Indian Cricketer’s Quick-Fix For KKR’s Bowling WoesDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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