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The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been gearing up for the IPL 2025 with a revamped squad. With Ajinkya Rahane at the helm as the new captain, KKR is set to explore fresh opening partnerships following some significant changes in their lineup.

In IPL 2024, KKR’s opening duo of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine performed exceptionally well. Phil Salt achieved his highest run tally of 488 runs, including his first T20 hundred. Sunil Narine complemented him well, scoring 435 runs at a strike rate of 182.01 and an average of 39.55. Together, they amassed 559 runs, ranking as the third-best opening pair for the season. However, Salt has now moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a mammoth 11.50 crore INR, prompting KKR to rethink their opening strategy.

KKR retained Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a key figure in securing their third IPL trophy. Additionally, they have acquired the services of Quinton De Kock, who boasts an impressive record of over 3,000 IPL runs. This acquisition provides a solid option for KKR at the top of the order.

Under Rahane’s captaincy, three potential opening combinations emerge as viable prospects for KKR in IPL 2025:

1. **Quinton De Kock and Sunil Narine**: This duo is seen as the strongest opening pair for the season. Combining De Kock’s explosive batting prowess with Narine’s aggressive play at the top could be instrumental in providing solid starts for KKR.

2. **Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton De Kock**: Gurbaz’s experience with KKR and his role in their past successes make him an ideal candidate to partner with De Kock, balancing aggression with consistency.

3. **Venkatesh Iyer and Quinton De Kock**: Venkatesh Iyer’s prolific run in IPL 2021, where he averaged 41, makes him a strong contender to open alongside De Kock. His recent multi-season deal with KKR underscores the team’s faith in his abilities.

With these combinations, KKR aims to find the right mix to capitalize on the dynamic conditions of IPL 2025. As Ajinkya Rahane leads the charge, the strategic decisions regarding the opening partnerships will be pivotal in KKR’s quest for another title.

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