IPL 2025: 4 Retentions And 2 RTMs Of KKR If BCCI Allows It

Kolkata Knight Riders [iplt20.com]Kolkata Knight Riders [iplt20.com]

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League saw the Kolkata Knight Riders crowned champions for the third time in the league's history. Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer's leadership guided the team to achieve this feat. 

The franchise will be eager to capitalize on their success in the upcoming 19th edition of the tournament, IPL 2025. However, with Gautam Gambhir taking up the role of India's Head Coach and a mega auction scheduled ahead of the tournament, it is expected that the squad's dynamics will change significantly. 

The BCCI has not yet clarified the IPL retention rules. However, if the authorities allow four retentions and two RTMs for each team, here are the players KKR might try to keep in their mix.

4 Retentions Of KKR Ahead Of IPL 2025

Shreyas Iyer

The Indian middle-order batter played a crucial role as the team's captain in IPL 2024. Shreyas Iyer's captaincy skills and composed approach in pressure situations were instrumental in guiding KKR to the trophy win. The management will be eager to keep Iyer at the helm when they reform their team's core for the upcoming seasons. 

Rinku Singh

The young Indian middle-order batter rose to fame during his time with KKR. In IPL 2023, Rinku Singh broke the headlines with his five sixes in the last five-ball heroics against Gujarat Titans. After this, Rinku made it to the Indian team and has consistently performed well. The southpaw is an integral part of the team composition, and the management will look to retain him as part of the core they will be building.

Sunil Narine

The West Indian all-rounder played a significant role in KKR's championship run in IPL 2024. Gautam Gambhir's genius move to open the innings with him changed Sunil Narine's impact on the team's performances. In most of the games, Narine came up with some blazing starts that helped the team establish their authority. He also contributed with the ball and gave the team leverage in the middle overs. 

 Andre Russell

The Jamaican all-rounder has been a powerhouse of the team since he arrived there in 2014. Andre Russell has delivered some power-packed performances for the team in pressure situations and crucial matches. The importance of Russell in the team composition can be realised from the fact that they have never released him in the auctions since 2014.

RTMs

While they will likely retain these players, here are the players they might release ahead of the IPL 2025 auction and use the Right To Match card (RTM) on. The players on whom the RTMs will be used depend on the number of overseas players BCCI allows the franchises to retain. 

Phil Salt/Varun Chakravarthy

If the franchises are allowed to retain more than two overseas players, then KKR will look to retain their English wicket-keeper batter, Phil Salt. The player delivered brilliantly during his stay in the IPL 2024, so they will try to retain Phil Salt to keep the opening spot steady. 

If they are not allowed to retain or RTM more than two overseas players, then Varun Chakravarthy might be the first RTM option for KKR. The Indian mystery spinner has been a consistent performer for the franchise since his arrival. 

Harshit Rana

The Indian pacer Harshit Rana was an X-factor for the KKR team in IPL 2024. He picked up regular wickets during the tournament and was one of the chief architects in carving the team's journey to lift their third IPL trophy. Given the impact that the young Indian pacer had during the IPL 2024 campaign, KKR will surely look to retain him.