Shreyas Iyer And? 3 Released Players Whom KKR Dearly Missed In IPL 2025

Debashis Sarangi

Iyer was roped in by PBKS [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @APTalksCricket/X]Iyer was roped in by PBKS [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @APTalksCricket/X]

Kolkata Knight Riders had a forgettable day on the field last night, as the abandoned fixture against RCB led them to an embarrassing group-stage exit from the IPL 2025. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR have managed only five wins this season while earning two points from washed-out matches against PBKS and RCB. 

Considering how the IPL 2025 panned out for KKR, the defending champions must regret the release of their three core players from the previous edition, as mentioned below. 

1. Shreyas Iyer

Why did KKR miss Shreyas Iyer?

Criterion
Data
Innings14
Runs351
Average39
Strike Rate146.86

(Shreyas Iyer's stats for KKR in IPL 2024)

  • Scintillating form: Shreyas Iyer performed admirably for KKR in IPL 2024, scoring 351 runs at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 146.86. However, the franchise decided against retaining him, with Punjab Kings securing the Mumbai batter for a whopping price. While KKR's middle-order, comprising Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh and Andre Russell, struggled badly, Iyer oozed his class for PBKS, slamming 405 runs at a magnificent average of 50.63 and a strike rate of 180.80. 
  • Leadership attributes: After leading KKR to the title in IPL 2024, Iyer showcased his captaincy qualities for Punjab Kings. Under his leadership, the Kings are on the verge of a playoffs qualification, having won seven out of eleven matches. Thus, Shreyas Iyer's absence proved costly for KKR and he would certainly have made a difference for them this season. 

2. Phil Salt

Criterion
Data
Innings12
Runs435
Average39.55
Strike rate182.01

(Phil Salt's stats for KKR)

Why did KKR miss Phil Salt?

  • Opening stand disrupted: Explosive English batter Phil Salt formed a fabulous opening stand with Sunil Narine, proving a pivotal role in KKR's title triumph. However, the franchise disrupted the fearsome combination by releasing Salt and getting Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz on board. This is the reason why they couldn't get good starts throughout the IPL 2025, with Ajinkya Rahane emerging as their lone warrior at the top order in most games. 
  • De Kock and Gurbaz disappointed, Salt rocked for RCB: While De Kock and Gurbaz couldn't live up to the expectations for KKR, Salt provided RCB with brisk starts. The English opener has so far amassed 239 runs at a blistering strike rate of 168.31, with De Kock and Gurbaz collectively scoring 217 runs across 12 innings. 

3. Sherfane Rutherford

Criterion
Data
Innings9
Runs229
Average38.17
Strike Rate159.03

(Rutherford's stats in IPL 2025)

Why did KKR miss Sherfane Rutherford?

  • Middle order failure: KKR's key middle order batters- Venkatesh Iyer (142 runs, average 20.29), Rinku Singh (197 runs in 10 innings), Andre Russell (167 runs, average 20.88) and Ramandeep Singh (34 runs in 6 innings) were unimpressive with the bat this season. Their inconsistency derailed the defending champions' campaign, prompting them to chop and change with their combination frequently. 
  • Rutherford's exploits in GT colours: Meanwhile, Sherfane Rutherford, who didn't get a single match for KKR, showcased his brilliance for Gujarat Titans. The Shubman Gill-led side perfectly slotted him at 4, with Rutherford scoring 229 runs at an average of 38.17 and a strike rate of 159.03. Thus, had KKR been far-sighted and retained Rutherford, they could've been benefitted by his presence in IPL 2025.