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Why Ajinkya Rahane Has Replaced Moeen Ali With Johnson In KKR Playing XI vs LSG

Aashay Chopade

Moeen Ali for KKR in IPL 2025 (AP Photos)Moeen Ali for KKR in IPL 2025 (AP Photos)

KKR are up against LSG in the match 21 of the Indian Premier League at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata and the home team has made an interesting change. They have dropped Moeen Ali and brought in an extra pacer Spencer Johnson in his place. 

Moeen Ali Excluded For Extra Pace Option On Flat Deck

The reason for Englishman's omission is that KKR already have two quality spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine in their ranks. Moeen was selected in the last game, but did not bowl or bat, and with pitch not expected to be a turner, KKR have decided to go with extra pace option who will provide them more luxury with the new ball and at the death.

Also, Moeen Ali has not not been in great form both with the bat. He has played two matches this season, and in the first game against RR, he could manage just five runs in 12 balls. He did decently with the ball, picking two wickets, but including him would have made KKR's bowling attack too spin heavy and it could have backfired as well.

Nevertheless, it is a crucial game for both the teams, as they have won two and lost two. A win in this game would help them keep their momentum going, while a loss would put them on the back foot yet again.