They were on the losing end of only five bids, but most were quality players, and a few had represented KKR before.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) retained as many as six players before the IPL 2025 auction. Still, they had several crucial slots to fill and rightfully went for a few quality players during the auction.
However, they were clear with their plans and went hard at their choices, grabbing almost everyone. They were on the losing end of only five bids, but most were quality players, and a few had represented KKR before.
We look at three players KKR bid for unsuccessfully at the IPL 2025 auction.
KKR lost Phil Salt to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) despite intense bidding. The bidding war started between Mumbai Indians (MI) and RCB and lasted until INR 4.20 crores before the former backed out, which allowed KKR to jump on the bandwagon.
The two teams raised their paddles until RCB’s bid of INR 11.50 crores before KKR’s tight budget compelled them to give up. Eventually, RCB got Phil Salt, and KKR were ultimately on the receiving end.
Also Read: 5 Key Players RCB Lost in Bidding Wars With Other Teams at IPL 2025 Auction
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wanted a quality No.3 to replace Ajinkya Rahane and got a perfect player in Rahul Tripathi. The battle to get him was only between CSK and KKR, but it was intriguing.
With CSK raising the paddle at INR 75 Lakhs to open the war, KKR joined in immediately and went until the bid of INR 3.20 crores. However, CSK made the final bid of INR 3.40 crores and included him in their team.
KKR had released Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Arora and required a solid new-ball bowler who provided value in other phases. Hence, they were among four teams going after Mohammed Shami during the auction.
KKR were the team in the race to get Shami for INR 9.75 crores before Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) made a final bid of INR 10 crores. KKR had no option but to back out since their low budget didn’t allow them to spend such a hefty sum, given they had to build a complete team.
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