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IPL 2025 | KKR To Move On From Shreyas Iyer; Rinku, Narine, Russell To Be Top Retentions

KKR's probable retention list excludes captain Shreyas Iyer (@Rajiv1841/X.com)KKR's probable retention list excludes captain Shreyas Iyer (@Rajiv1841/X.com)

KKR is in the process of finalising their retention list before the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, with key players like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana expected to be retained. However, the defending champions are likely to drop captain Shreyas Iyer in an unexpected move.

The IPL 2025 retention deadline will cease to exist on October 31 and with less than two weeks left, all franchises are in a hurry to finalise their list. Notably, a maximum of 6 retentions are allowed per team including the RTM cards. Hence, teams needs to be extra careful with spending this year.

KKR to to prioritise Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana over Iyer

Meanwhile, as far as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are concerned, the defending champions would have loved to keep the winning core secure. However, with a mega auction on the horizon, the management will be required to make some tough decisions. 

KKR captain Shreyas Iyer’s future is surprisingly hanging in the balance despite the batter leading the team to victory last year. As reported by Subhayan Chakraborty, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ramandeep Singh are likely candidates for retention, with Ramandeep and Harshit being uncapped.

While KKR is tempted to exhaust the retention limit, they face the challenge of managing their budget, especially given the need to allocate ₹75 crore for retaining five international players. Moreover, in the case of Iyer’s axing, Nitish Rana is viewed as a potential captaincy alternative.

Will Shah Rukh Khan step in to save Shreyas Iyer?

Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to their third IPL title in 2024, is facing the risk of entering auction as the team management is not yet clear on his potential retention. However, Aakash Chopra feels KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan's emotional connection could play into Iyer’s favour. He added that it’s not just the numbers or strategy that will drive this decision but also the emotional bond that Shahrukh shares with Iyer.