Shreyas Iyer And...? 3 KKR Rejects Who Can Be MVPs For Their Teams In IPL 2025

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Shreyas Iyer in KKR jersey [Source: @KnightsVibe/x.com]Shreyas Iyer in KKR jersey [Source: @KnightsVibe/x.com]

The Kolkata Knight Riders will be entering the IPL 2025 as the defending champions. The three time IPL champions have done well during the auction table to assimilated a squad that that can help them retain their title.

Although KKR looks like a good overall unit, they did surprise the fans with a few of their calls. The release of certain players definitely surprised the KKR fans and they were left even more baffled when a few of this players were not even repurchased during the auction. Here is a look at the three players, whom KKR have released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction who can be the MVPs for their current IPL teams in the upcoming editions of the tournament.

3. Phil Salt

Philip Salt For KKR [Source: @KKRKaFan/x.com]Philip Salt For KKR [Source: @KKRKaFan/x.com]

The English keeper-batter was an important part of the KKR campaign during their championship run in IPL 2024. Phil Salt's consistency of scoring impactful runs at the top of the order set up the games for the team in most cases. The rate at which Salt scored runs was important for the Knights in their journey to win the third IPL title.

Even though Salt left a great impact, the Knight Riders released him ahead of IPL 2025 auction. As Salt became available in the market, RCB bought him for INR 11.50 Cr during the two day event. Salt will be opening the innings for RCB and that will give him the opportunity to leave a huge impact on the team's performance. 

2. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc for KKR [Source: @iamswapnilvats/x.com]Mitchell Starc for KKR [Source: @iamswapnilvats/x.com]

One more player who played a huge role in KKR's championship run during IPL 2024 was the Australian ace pacer, Mitchell Starc. Even though the Australian pacer did not have a great time in the league stage, he delivered in the knock out stages. 

Starc left a major impact in KKR's performance during the last edition of the tournament. However, the three time IPL champions released him and tried to repurchase him during the IPL 2025 mega auction. But it was Delhi Capitals who had the winning bid for the Australian pacer and secured his services for INR 11.75 Cr. With his ability to shine in big matches, Starc could be crucial to the journey of the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. 

1. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer was the leader of KKR when they won their third title in IPL 2024. However, ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, they released him. As Shreyas Iyer went under the hammer, Punjab Kings put their every thing in to buy him. They spent INR 26.75 Cr to buy him and made him the second most expensive player of the upcoming edition. 

Iyer's dynamic batting and his experience of winning the IPL as a captain makes him a very valuable member for PBKS in IPL 2025. With his ability to contribute in multiple areas, Shreyas Iyer could be the MVP for PBKS in the upcoming edition of the tournament.