KKR had so many match-winners in their squad and will find it hard to pin down their retentions and releases.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged as the most successful team in IPL 2024, winning the title for the third time in the league. They had a well-rounded side and played as a unit, with each player performing their role precisely.
They had so many match-winners in their squad and will find it hard to pin down their retentions and releases. After Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), KKR have the biggest headache ahead of the retention deadline.
They might have to make a few tough retentions and releases by keeping the future in mind. They should opt for players who can be a long-term investment rather than short-term options.
We look at retentions and releases of KKR ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Andre Russell: Andre Russell is the most obvious choice to be the first retention of KKR. Russell is among the biggest match-winners in T20 cricket and contributes heavily with both bat and ball. He is a terrific pace hitter and can take the game away within a few balls.
Further, Russell hits hard lengths and is a solid enforcer for the middle overs. He also provides ample value in death overs. He is everything a team needs in the T20 format.
Sunil Narine: Sunil Narine is another obvious choice to retain ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Narine contributes with both bat and ball and is among the most consistent players in the shortest format. His recent rise as an opener makes him an indispensable asset, as visible during the last edition.
He can utilise the powerplay and provide a brisk start to his team. Further, he has a range of variations he uses to remain economical while also taking big guns down. If Narine comes into the auction, he will fetch a whopping amount, so KKR should simply keep him as their second retention.
Shreyas Iyer: The captain of the side, Shreyas Iyer should be the third retention of Kolkata Knight Riders. Firstly, he is a skilled leader with a proven track in the league. Secondly, he is a solid spin-hitter in the middle order and can be flexible with his batting position.
If Iyer comes into the auction, he will fetch a massive amount. KKR can’t afford to lose their IPL-winning captain after his successful stint last year. Expect KKR to retain him.
Rinku Singh: Undoubtedly, Rinku Singh should be one of the retentions of KKR. A solid player of pace, Rinku is a terrific middle and lower middle-order batter, making him a valuable asset. He is a proven match-winner for the Knight Riders.
He will be a long-term asset for them and can serve them for years to come. Rinku will fetch a massive amount if he comes into the auction, especially after his recent rise. There’s no way KKR are leaving him.
Harshit Rana: KKR are really lucky that Harshit Rana is uncapped by the deadline duration. Hence, they can get him at just INR 4 crores. At this price, Rana is more than a steal.
A solid all-phase pacer, Rana proved his worth last time in a title-winning campaign. He will only improve from here on and will be a long-term investment for KKR. What else do they need?
Ramandeep Singh: KKR had some of the best local talents during the last season. Among them was Ramandeep Singh, a batting all-rounder who bats in the lower order and also bowls useful medium pace. He is a certified six-hitter and can take on pacers at will while batting low in the order.
If used wisely, Ramandeep is also a decent medium pacer who can give two overs consistently. He played useful knocks in the lower order and provided impetus to the innings. He should get more from the auction, so KKR can simply retain him at INR 4 crores.
Mitchell Starc: Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in the history of the league during the last mega auction. However, his performances weren’t up to the mark, for he was expensive and didn’t take many wickets. He performed well in patches but wasn’t consistent.
He surely doesn’t deserve a retention, especially given his unavailability can be an issue. He won’t fetch such a high amount again. Hence, if KKR want, they can re-bid for him.
Varun Chakravarthy: Varun Chakravarthy is a big name KKR will be tempted to release. They have a problem of plenty. All other options mentioned in the retained category are must-pick, leaving no place for Varun.
Further, spinners don’t fetch a very high amount in the auction, so KKR can always re-bid for him. Surely, they will go heavily after him. But, unfortunately, retention is not an option.
Venkatesh Iyer: Another key member in KKR’s title-winning campaign, Venkatesh Iyer is another player KKR must be tempted to release. While he is a middle-order batter, his bowling value has completely gone due to the Impact Player rule. KKR have to make a choice between Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer, and the team might select Shreyas due to his captaincy value.
Venkatesh will get a decent sum in the auction. But KKR can look to buy him if his price is reasonable. For now, KKR must release him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
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