IPL 2025: 3 Bowlers KKR Will Target During The Mega Auction

Akshita Patel

Kolkata Knight Riders to enter auction with INR 51 crore purse [Source: @KnightsVibe/X.com]Kolkata Knight Riders to enter auction with INR 51 crore purse [Source: @KnightsVibe/X.com]

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders retained 6 players for IPL 2025. That leaves them with INR 51 crores remaining purse. More importantly, though, they released title-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer in a shocking move.

Kolkata Knight Riders would be eyeing finding a captaincy candidate during the mega auction of IPL for 2025. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are preferred choices. However, KKR also need to stress on extending their bowling depth. Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Harshit Rana are the only bowlers left with KKR.

What will KKR look for in their bowlers?

KKR's key priority is likely to secure a fast bowler. Harshit Rana is inexperienced and not prepared to handle the responsibility of leading the bowling attack just yet. He needs a guide and mentor who is capable of taking pressure off in critical situations. Last year, KKR had Mitchell Starc, but his performance was mediocre. Hence, for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, KKR will aim for an experienced fast bowler with a proven record in IPL history.

Here are three bowlers that KKR will buy in the IPL 2025 mega auction

3. Mohammed Shami

Why KKR Will Target Mohammed Shami?

Mohammed Shami's journey initially kicked off from KKR. Across 77 IPL games, Shami picked 79 wickets. However, he had to skip the last couple of seasons with injury issues. Hence, not many teams will be encouraged to bid for Shami. However, for KKR, Shami could prove to be a quality economical option. Eden Gardens is his home, and with the new ball, Shami is a classic wicket-taking option. Given his career credentials, KKR is most likely to bid for Shami at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

2. Mitchell Starc

Why KKR Will Target Mitchell Starc?

KKR made Mitchell Starc the most expensive player in IPL history after buying him for INR 24.75 core in the IPL 2023 auction. However, his performance was average, with 17 wickets in 14 games. Regardless, Starc is too good of a player for KKR to ignore. They will definitely aim to buy him back, but at a reasonable price at this time. Starc is an element of surprise that can destroy any quality batting lineup on his day. While consistency is an issue, Starc's Aussie mentality and ability to perform under pressure, especially in playoffs, makes him stand apart. 

1. Prasidh Krishna

Why KKR Will Target Prasidh Krishna?

Prasidh Krishna is yet another emerging star KKR can target at the IPL 2025 mega auction. He played 3 seasons for KKR and picked 20 wickets in minimum opportunities. With RR, Krishna went on to have a breakout season in IPL 2022 with 19 wickets. However, injury issues kept him out for 2 seasons. But he is ready to bounce back with a bang in IPL 2025. Krishna is the quality pacer one needs with significance in terms of pace and control over execution, which makes him the leader of the pace attack that KKR needs. Given the Eden Gardens' pace-friendly conditions, Prasidh's return to KKR would make strategic sense.

Conclusion

Kolkata Knight Riders, with INR 51 crores in purse, will eye bolstering their bowling unit through IPL 2025 mega auction to make a well-balanced and competitive squad. Targeting Prasidh Krishna, Starc and Shami will surely give pace and accuracy that is an essential element of success in the league.