IPL: Sunil Narine expresses desire to open innings for KKR
What's the story
Sunil Narine, the legendary spinner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has revealed his desire to return as an opener in Indian Premier League 2025.
His successful run at the top last season saw him score a whopping 488 runs at a strike rate of 180.
Under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, he formed a destructive opening combination with Phil Salt, batting well in the majority of the matches.
Role flexibility
Narine's batting position to depend on team needs
Ahead of the 2024 season, Narine was moved to a floater's role in KKR, which affected his batting.
He then bounced back as an opener last season.
Ahead of KKR's opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Narine said while his batting position will depend on the team's needs but he would love to open again.
"It depends on the team's needs. Obviously, I'd love to open after how things went last year, but it will be based on the team's requirements," Narine told reporters.
Franchise loyalty
Narine's journey with KKR and IPL
Having been a part of the IPL since 2012, Narine has only played for KKR.
Looking back at his journey, he called KKR a family and Kolkata where he truly belongs.
"This is going to be my 14th year in the IPL... Every time I play with the Knight Riders logo, it feels like this is where I belong," he said.
Information
Narine's batting stats overall and as an opener
Narine owns 1,534 runs in the IPL from 110 innings at 17.04. He has struck at 165.83. He owns 7 fifties and a ton. He has smashed 97 sixes and 164 fours. As per ESPNcricinfo, Narine has smashed 1,217 runs as an opener at 22.53 (SR: 176.88).