KKR made strategic moves in the IPL 2025 auction, re-signing crucial players from their IPL 2024 championship winning squad and making clever acquisitions.
KKR made strategic moves in the IPL 2025 auction, re-signing crucial players from their IPL 2024 championship winning squad and making clever acquisitions. The defending champions entered the auction with a clear plan, having already retained the core group of players around whom the team would be built.
Their focus was on securing a balanced mix of Indian talent, complementing the strong overseas roster they had retained before the auction.
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Given their squad, let’s take a look at the four key overseas players likely to feature in KKR’s playing XI for IPL 2025.
Sunil Narine was retained by KKR for INR 12 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction and will be one of the first-choice overseas players in the playing XI for the upcoming season. Narine played a crucial role in KKR’s IPL 2024 championship victory, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He made significant contributions with both bat and ball, scoring 488 runs and taking 17 wickets in 15 matches.
Having been a key part of KKR since 2012, Narine has only played for KKR in the IPL. As the defending champions prepare for IPL 2025, they will be counting on Narine to deliver another stellar season and replicate his exceptional performances from the previous season.
Quinton de Kock, released by LSG ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, was acquired by KKR for INR 3.6 crore and will be a key overseas player in the playing XI for the upcoming season. In addition to de Kock, KKR also re-signed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who is expected to serve as a backup for the South African wicketkeeper.
In the previous season, Phil Salt played an instrumental role in KKR’s championship-winning campaign. Although they couldn’t bring Salt back for IPL 2025, KKR will be hoping for de Kock to replicate his outstanding performances and make a similar impact at the top of the order.
Andre Russell, like Sunil Narine, has been an integral part of KKR since 2014. The franchise retained him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction for INR 12 crore, recognizing his crucial role in their IPL 2024 championship win. Russell contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 222 runs in the lower order and taking 19 wickets in 15 matches.
As one of KKR’s key squad members, the franchise will be counting on Russell to deliver similar performances in IPL 2025. His all-round capabilities make him a vital asset in the team’s pursuit of another successful season.
Spencer Johnson was acquired by KKR for INR 2.8 crore in the IPL 2025 auction after being released by Gujarat Titans. He made his IPL debut in 2024, playing five matches and taking four wickets. While his IPL stats aren’t standout, his recent form in international cricket, especially in the T20I series against Pakistan where he took 8 wickets in 3 matches, has been impressive. Despite KKR also signing Anrich Nortje, Johnson is likely to be picked ahead of him.
KKR had Mitchell Starc in the previous season, who became a key performer despite a slow start, played a key role in the playoffs. While they couldn’t secure Starc for IPL 2025, the franchise will be looking for similar performances from Johnson. With his height and pace, KKR hopes he can step up and deliver in the upcoming season.
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