As Kolkata Knight Riders gear up to take on Gujarat Titans in Match 39 of IPL 2025 at Eden Gardens, fantasy cricket enthusiasts are eyeing key all-rounders to captain their Dream11 squads. One such top contender is KKR’s veteran match-winner Sunil Narine. The West Indian has been playing a dual role this season with both bat and ball — and here’s why you should consider making him your Dream11 captain today:
1. Opening the innings with the bat — Big score due
Narine has been used as a floater in the past, but this season he’s once again been handed the opening role. In 6 innings, he has scored 130 runs, giving KKR solid powerplay momentum. However, a big score is still pending, making him a tempting pick to go big this time. Given Eden Gardens’ batting-friendly conditions and short boundaries, one explosive knock could mean massive Dream11 points.
2. Spin-friendly pitch & matchup vs Buttler
While Eden Gardens has largely assisted batters this season, the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad showed signs of help for spinners — something KKR are hoping for again. If the pitch does turn, Narine becomes even more dangerous with the ball.
He also has a key matchup to exploit: Jos Buttler, one of GT’s in-form batters, has managed only 61 runs off 57 balls against Narine across IPL encounters — at a strike rate of just 107.01. Though Narine has dismissed him only once in ten innings, he’s kept Buttler quiet, which is a big win in fantasy cricket.
3. All-round value — Double opportunity to score points
Narine bowls his full quota of 4 overs and opens the batting, which makes him one of the few players who offers consistent two-way fantasy points potential. Even if he fails with the bat, his bowling can fetch key wickets — or vice versa. This all-round impact is what sets him apart, especially in a venue like Eden Gardens where his skillset can shine.
Bonus: Eden Gardens factor
The pitch at Eden Gardens offers pace and bounce early, but slows down as the game progresses — ideal for a mystery spinner like Narine. If KKR bowl second, his role becomes even more crucial, especially with matchups against GT’s middle order. The short boundaries also allow for Narine to attack early while opening with the bat.
Fantasy Verdict:
With dual roles, favorable pitch conditions, and tactical matchups in his favor, Sunil Narine is a high-risk, high-reward captaincy pick that could win you your Dream11 contests today.
