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IPL 2025: 3 Afghanistan Players Kolkata Knight Riders Could Target In The Mega Auction

Akshita Patel

KKR left with INR 51 crore purse in IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @Rokte_Amarr_KKR/X.com]KKR left with INR 51 crore purse in IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @Rokte_Amarr_KKR/X.com]

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made the most noise at the IPL 2025 retention deadline after they released captain Shreyas Iyer, who led them to a title victory in IPL 2024. Instead, they went in for 6 retentions which included 2 uncapped players.

In the retention list released on October 31, KKR awarded Rinku Singh a whopping salary of INR 13 crores, followed by Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell for INR 12 crores. Two uncapped players, Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh, bagged an INR 4 crore salary each.

Now, KKR are left with just INR 51 crores in the purse. Hence, each and every acquisition will have to be carefully curated to avoid overspending.

Meanwhile, a lot of talent is coming from Afghanistan for this mega auction. Apart from experienced players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi, youngsters such as Allah Ghazanfar also got shortlisted in the final list.

Here are three Afghanistan players that KKR will bid for in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.

3. Naveen-Ul-Haq

Naveen Ul Haq [Source: @KLfied_/X.com]Naveen Ul Haq [Source: @KLfied_/X.com]

Why Will KKR Target Naveen-ul-Haq?

Naveen-ul-Haq is an experienced T20 bowler who has come out with good performances in several leagues across the world, including IPL. He's a skilled performer in the death overs, which was also one of the loopholes KKR had in earlier seasons. In last season with LSG, Naveen picked 14 wickets in 10 games with an economy of 10.19.

Interestingly, KKR needs a quality pace option, and Naveen can spearhead KKR's bowling in the final overs to ensure tighter finishes. With his variations, Naveen can be used strategically against big hitters or in matches where KKR's spinners might struggle.

2. Allah Ghazanfar

Allah Ghazanfar [Source: @KkrKaravan/X.com]Allah Ghazanfar [Source: @KkrKaravan/X.com]

Why Will KKR Target Allah Ghazanfar?

Afghanistan's young off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar could be a fascinating choice for KKR. The 18-year-old bowls off-spin with a high-arm action, drawing upon his height to extract more bounce and drift. At Eden Gardens, where spin often plays a pivotal role, his ability to extract bounce on turning pitches could give KKR an edge over opposition batters, especially against right-handers. 

In a recent ODI against Bangladesh, Ghazanfar picked up a 7-wicket-haul, giving everyone a glimpse of his potential. The franchise of KKR has got a reputation for nurturing young cricketers, so Ghazanfar could bloom under the mentorship of seasoned bowlers like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz [Source: @Rokte_Amarr_KKR/X.com]Rahmanullah Gurbaz [Source: @Rokte_Amarr_KKR/X.com]

Why Will KKR Target Rahmanullah Gurbaz?

In search of a reliable wicket-keeping bat who can really open the innings, Gurbaz is KKR's kind of player. His ability to take on bowlers in the powerplay can set the tone for KKR's innings. Additionally, his glovework behind the stumps is sharp, making him a dual threat.

Gurbaz's experience in international T20 leagues and his current form make him a pretty sweet addition to the top order of KKR. Even though he has had scanty opportunities, he has played a fine innings for KKR in the IPL 2024 finals, and in subcontinent conditions, Gurbaz can be lethal.