KKR Squad Reunites in Bengaluru for IPL 2025 Phase 2, Rovman Powell & Moeen Ali Miss Out

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have arrived in Bengaluru to resume preparations for the second phase of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) following a week-long suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the tournament’s resumption on May 17 with KKR set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

KKR will be without two key overseas players, Rovman Powell and Moeen Ali, due to personal issues. While most of KKR’s players and support staff have assembled in Bengaluru, Powell and Ali’s absence is a setback.

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Rovman Powell and Moeen Ali Ruled Out: KKR Hit by Double Blow for IPL 2025 Phase 2

The IPL 2025 was halted on May 9 after a match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was abandoned mid-way in Dharamsala due to security concerns triggered by cross-border tensions. The revised schedule, announced by the BCCI, includes 13 remaining league matches across six venues, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, with the final slated for June 3. 

As the resumption nears, most of the KKR contingent has assembled in Bengaluru. But Powell, a hard-hitting West Indian batter, is undergoing a medical procedure and could not come to India. Moeen has also opted out of the remainder of the tournament due to a viral infection affecting him and his family. 

KKR issued a statement that read: 

"All KKR Players and Support Staff have arrived in Bangalore, except Rovman Powell & Moeen Ali. Both Powell and Ali couldn’t come back due to medical reasons. Rovman is undergoing a procedure, while Moeen and his family are down with a viral infection. We wish them good health and a quick recovery."

KKR’s Performance in IPL 2025

KKR, the defending champions, are currently sixth on the IPL 2025 points table with 11 points from 12 matches, having secured five wins. 

With only two matches remaining, against RCB on May 17 and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 25, KKR can reach a maximum of 15 points by winning both. However, their playoff chances are slim as they trail top teams and will not be able to beat them on points in all likelihood.

KKR would still want to give their best and find out the right combination for the next season.

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