IPL 2025: Why is Moeen Ali not playing against Punjab Kings in match 31?

In the 31st match of the IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders made a key change against the hosts Punjab Kings, as Moeen Ali missed out on the match, and Anrich Nortje replaced him. Here, we will know why Moeen Ali is missing the game despite performing well in their last game against the hosts Chennai Super Kings. 

IPL 2025: KKR cricketer Moeen Ali bowled impressively

Out of KKR's first six matches in the IPL 2025, Moeen Ali played three games, and the defending champions won all those matches. Meanwhile, KKR lost all the remaining three IPL 2025 fixtures where the English player wasn't present. In the match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, Ali was the second-best bowler for KKR with the bowling figures of 4-0-23-2. He took two crucial wickets in the match by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal (29) and Nitish Rana (8). 

While Moeen Ali had no significant action in their home match against SunRisers Hyderabad, he was the new ball partner in their last game against CSK. In that match, Ali dismissed the CSK opener Devon Conway (12) and ended with the bowling figures of 4-1-20-1. 

Punjab Kings and KKR are playing at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. This T20 venue isn't generally popular for the spin bowlers, while the pacers can have a significant impact. While KKR already have the strong spin bowling options as Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, KKR benched Moee Ali and chose the pacer Anrich Nortje. 

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Anrich Nortje makes debut for KKR

South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has finally made his IPL return as he is making his debut for Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday evening. The right-arm fast bowler is making his cricket return after four months, as he was sidelined from the game due to a back injury. He also missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

After making his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals in the 2020 edition, Anrich Nortje previously only played for the Delhi franchise and picked up 60 wickets in 46 matches in five years.