KKR have enough money in their purse remaining to acquire at least one of these three marquee players from the IPL 2025 Auction.
With less than 24 hours left before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction gets underway in Jeddah, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up to address gaps in their squad and reinforce their lineup.
With a remaining purse of ₹51 crore, KKR will be eyeing at least one marquee players who can bring experience, leadership, and versatility. Among the many names in the auction pool, three stand out as prime targets for KKR: Rishabh Pant, Jos Buttler, and KL Rahul.
Here’s why these players could be crucial for the Knights’ resurgence in IPL 2025.
Rishabh Pant’s release from the Delhi Capitals has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. For KKR, the dynamic southpaw represents a golden opportunity to solve multiple challenges. Pant is known for his fearless batting and match-winning ability, particularly in high-pressure scenarios. With his penchant for playing audacious shots and turning games on their head, Pant could provide the fireworks KKR needs in the middle order.
In addition to his batting prowess, Pant’s wicketkeeping skills make him a dual-utility player, offering KKR flexibility in team composition. Moreover, his leadership experience with Delhi Capitals positions him as a potential captaincy candidate after Shreyas Iyer’s release on retention deadline.
England skipper Jos Buttler has been released by Rajasthan Royals, making him one of the hottest picks in the auction. For KKR, Buttler offers the complete package: a proven match-winner, an experienced campaigner, a reliable wicket-keeper, and a versatile batter who can play both as an opener and a finisher.
Buttler’s ability to dominate the powerplay and his adaptability in building innings make him a vital asset. His inclusion would address KKR’s need for a reliable opening pair after Phil Salt’s release. Furthermore, Buttler’s vast experience in global T20 leagues, including his role as England’s limited-overs captain, brings immense value as a potential captain. He could also serve as a mentor to younger players, providing guidance and stability.
KL Rahul’s release from Lucknow Super Giants adds another marquee name to the auction pool. Known for his elegant stroke play and consistent run-scoring, Rahul could be the anchor KKR’s batting lineup needs. While KKR’s middle order has often lacked stability, Rahul’s ability to pace his innings and adapt to various match situations makes him an ideal candidate to fill this gap.
Beyond his batting, Rahul is a seasoned leader, having captained Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in previous IPL seasons. His presence in the KKR camp would bring calmness and clarity to the team’s approach, especially during crunch moments. Pairing Rahul at the top of the order with Narine or in the middle-order with their established finishers would create a formidable top and middle order capable of challenging any bowling attack.
KKR has historically thrived on the backs of big-ticket players who can turn games single-handedly. The trio of Pant, Buttler, and Rahul perfectly fits this mold. While Pant could bring the X-factor, Buttler provides reliability, and Rahul ensures stability—traits that are essential for a title-winning campaign.
The presence of these marquee players would also complement KKR’s existing stars like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Shreyas Iyer. Additionally, with the Eden Gardens pitch favoring stroke-makers, players like Buttler and Rahul could thrive in home conditions.
Acquiring three marquee players won’t come cheap, and KKR will have to manage their purse wisely to outbid other franchises.
However, with ₹51 crore at their disposal, KKR is well-positioned to make aggressive bids for at least one of the three players.
The team will also need to balance their spending by targeting value-for-money players in later rounds of the auction.
