IPL 2025: 5 Players KKR Will Retain Ahead Of Mega Auction

KKR won the IPL title in 2024 [IPLT20.COM] KKR won the IPL title in 2024 [IPLT20.COM]

The defending champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) had a phenomenal last season, capturing their third IPL title. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the team decimated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the finals to win the coveted prize.

The team management built a strong core and the result was instant as the team jelled together really well and were victorious under the leadership of Iyer, coach Chandrakant Pandit and former mentor, Gautam Gambhir.

However, the upcoming season will provide a tough test for the Knight Riders, especially with the mega auction just around the corner. Reports are circulating that upto 5 retentions are allowed for each franchise, and this makes the job tough for KKR. Here are the 5 players we feel KKR will retain ahead of the next season.

5) Harshit Rana

Bought for INR 20 lakhs by KKR, Harshit Rana was the replacement player for Rasikh Salam, and made an immediate impact in the side. His hit-the-deck bowling was useful on the Eden Gardens surface and the bowler made a name for himself in a short span of time.

Despite involved in a couple of controversies, Rana finished the season with 19 wickets in 13 matches, at an economy rate of 9.08. KKR need a strong Indian fast bowler, and by retaining Rana, KKR will be getting that attribute.

4) Rinku Singh

The backbone of the KKR middle-order, Rinku Singh has been the find for the Kolkata based franchise in the last couple of seasons. Bought for INR 55 lakh, Rinku had a breakout 2023 season, and who could forget his 5 sixes against Yash Dayal?.

Some feel Rinku should be the top retention in the side, but he himself is happy with the amount he is getting paid. By retaining Rinku, KKR are getting a formidable hitter, at-least for the next 3 years.

3) Andre Russell

One of the greatest all-rounders in the history of IPL, Russell is one of the first names KKR will look to retain ahead of the next season. When he gets going, there's no one who can stop him. The 2024 season was productive for Russell, both from bat and ball.

In 14 matches, he scored 222 runs, at a strike-rate of 185, and he also scalped 19 wickets, at 15.53. His dual role (bat and ball) makes the West Indian great an asset for the KKR side, and they will be eager to retain him.

2) Sunil Narine

Russell and Sunil Narine go hand-to-hand. Just like Russell, Narine also had a brilliant IPL 2024 season. Surprisingly, he was promoted at the opening slot by Gambhir, and the all-rounder didn't disappoint, even smashing a brilliant ton.

He scored 488 runs in 14 matches, at a strike-rate of 180.74, and also picked up 17 wickets to help KKR win the IPL title. Some wanted Mitchell Starc to be retained ahead of either Russell/Narine, but the Aussie pacer was bought at a high-price, and by releasing him, KKR can generate more money ahead of the auction.

1) Shreyas Iyer

Bought for INR 12.25 crore ahead of IPL 2022, Shreyas Iyer finally delivered the goods in IPL 2024, winning the title as the captain of the side. He marshalled his troops brilliantly and after the departure of Gautam Gambhir as the KKR skipper, the management finally found a gem of a leader in Iyer.

Apart from his captaincy, Iyer also impressed everyone with his batting, hammering 351 runs in 14 matches, at a strike-rate of 146.86. A good captain is difficult to find in IPL, and KKR already have Iyer in that role, and so, he should be the first retention for the team.