The IPL 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) witnessed a bizarre moment that left fans and players equally stunned. Sunil Narine, KKR’s experienced all-rounder, had a narrow escape from a hit-wicket dismissal at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 22.
The incident occurred during the 8th over of KKR’s innings when 24-year-old pacer Rasikh Salam delivered a bouncer just outside the off-stump. Narine made no attempt to play at the delivery, letting it pass safely. The on-field umpire immediately signaled a wide, but what followed was surprising. As Narine completed his half-hearted bat swing, the toe end of his bat clipped the stumps, dislodging a bail.
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To the surprise of many, the umpire did not declare Narine out. It appears that since the wide call had already been made, the ball was considered “dead,” making Narine’s accidental contact with the stumps inconsequential.
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At the time of writing, KKR stands at 165/6 after 18 overs. Captain Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine played vital roles, stitching a crucial 100-run partnership. Rahane confidently scored 56 off 31 balls, while Narine’s supporting knock of 44 from 26 deliveries steadied the innings. The match has already delivered thrilling moments, setting the tone for an exciting IPL season.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt(w), Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Spencer Johnson, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
