IPL 2025: Why are Moeen Ali and Lockie Ferguson not playing in PBKS vs KKR Match 31?

Moeen-Ali-and-Lockie-Ferguson. (Photo source: X)

Moeen Ali and Lockie Ferguson will not be in action during the high-voltage clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Tuesday, April 15.

KKR are coming into this clash on the back of a comprehensive eight-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on April 11. They have three wins and as many losses from six games. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have three wins and two defeats from five encounters so far in IPL 2025. They suffered a soul-shattering eight-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, failing to defend a 246-run target on April 12.

PBKS vs KKR, Match 31 – Toss Update

Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bat first. He pointed out that the wicket has been good for batting, and even when there is dew, the outfield doesn’t skid through. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane said that he would have bowled first had he won the toss. He backed his batters to chase down any target that PBKS puts on.

Moeen Ali makes way for Anrich Nortje, Xavier Bartlett makes IPL debut

Anrich Nortje is set to make his debut for KKR. After waiting in the wings for the first six matches, the South African speedster has been brought into the playing XI. He replaces Moeen Ali. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings will miss the services of Marcus Stoinis in this clash. Josh Inglis replaces his compatriot in the side. On the other hand, Lockie Ferguson is set to miss at least a major part of IPL 2025 after suffering an injury in the last game as per reports. He has been replaced by Australian seamer Xavier Bartlett, who is making his IPL debut.

PBKS vs KKR, Match 31 – What did the captains say?

Shreyas Iyer, PBKS captain

We are going to bat first. Feel the wicket has been really well for the last couple of matches, the dew comes in but the outfield doesn’t skid through. Don’t remember the team changes, I will tell later. We need to take as many catches in the fielding and create some sort of brilliance.

Ajinkya Rahane, KKR captain

We were looking to bowl first on this wicket. For me, toss is something you cannot control. We have a batting that can chase the target. Just one change. Nortje comes in for Moeen Ali. He has been working hard on his game and I am really looking forward to see him bowl tonight.

PBKS vs KKR, Match 31 – Playing 11s

Punjab Kings

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact Subs: Yash Thakur, Suryansh Shedge, Praveen Dubey, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak

Kolkata Knight Riders

Quinton de Kock (WK), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Impact Subs: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell, Luvnith Sisodia

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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