As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are strategically evaluating their roster and considering which players to retain. The franchise recently underwent significant changes, with Gautam Gambhir stepping down as mentor to take on the role of head coach for Team India. In his place, KKR has appointed West Indies T20 legend Dwayne Bravo as their new mentor. Bravo, who has a storied career in T20 cricket, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.
With the BCCI allowing franchises to retain up to six players—five capped and one uncapped—KKR’s retention strategy will be pivotal in shaping their squad for the upcoming season. Key players like Shreyas Iyer, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Phil Salt, and Harshit Rana are expected to be at the forefront of KKR’s retention plans. Each of these players has made significant contributions in IPL 2024, showcasing their skills and potential to lead KKR towards another successful campaign.
- Shreyas Iyer: (Capped)
Shreyas Iyer is expected to be a cornerstone of KKR’s retention strategy, especially after guiding the team to their third IPL title in 2024. Under his captaincy, KKR delivered a masterclass in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, winning by eight wickets. Iyer’s leadership was instrumental throughout the season; he finished with 351 runs, including two fifties, and played a crucial role in anchoring the innings during key matches.
His ability to lead from the front was evident as he navigated the team through pressure situations, culminating in a dominant performance in the final, where KKR restricted SRH to just 113 runs. Iyer’s composure and tactical acumen were vital as he emulated Gautam Gambhir by becoming only the second KKR captain to lift the IPL trophy. His journey from injury setbacks to triumph has solidified his status as a key player for KKR moving forward.
- Sunil Narine: (Capped)
Sunil Narine has been a linchpin for KKR since his debut, and his retention seems almost certain. Under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir in IPL 2024, Narine showcased his all-round capabilities and emerged as KKR’s highest run-getter and scored 488 runs at a strike rate of 180.74, coupled with an average of 34.86. He registered a career-best innings of 109 runs while also taking 17 wickets across 15 matches. His versatility allows him to bat anywhere in the order and contribute significantly with both bat and ball. Narine’s experience in tight matches has often been invaluable for KKR, making him a go-to player in critical situations. His ability to pick up wickets during the powerplay and provide breakthroughs at crucial junctures adds immense value to the bowling attack. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, Narine’s retention would ensure that KKR retains its competitive edge.
- Andre Russell: (Capped)
Andre Russell remains one of the most explosive all-rounders in T20 cricket, and his performance in IPL 2024 further solidified this reputation. He scored 222 runs, batting lower down the order at an astonishing strike rate of 185.00 while also contributing with 19 wickets throughout the season across 145 matches. He was one of the top most contenders for the league’s MVP and constantly changed the course of the game with his hitting prowess in favor of KKR throughout the tournament.
Russell’s ability to change games single-handedly makes him a fan favorite and a strategic asset for KKR. Despite facing injury setbacks in past seasons, he has consistently bounced back stronger each time. His match-winning performances have often turned the tide in favor of KKR during crucial matches. Retaining Russell not only ensures that KKR has a potent weapon in their arsenal but also maintains an exciting presence that draws fans to the stadium. Furthermore, Russell is a teammate of Dwayne Bravo in CPL, and the duo’s synergy could really prove fruitful in the franchise’s title defense.
- Phil Salt: (Capped)
Phil Salt made quite an impression during IPL 2024 with his aggressive batting style, scoring 435 runs across 12 matches, with a highest score of 89* against the Lucknow Super Giants, an average of 39.355, and an impressive strike rate of 182.01. Notably, Salt formed a potent partnership with Sunil Narine; together they combined for 559 runs in 12 innings, ranking third-best this season and achieving six fifty-plus partnerships—the most by any pair this season.
His ability to score quickly at the top of the order adds depth to KKR’s batting lineup and sets a solid foundation for innings. Salt’s performances included several explosive knocks that helped propel KKR into winning positions throughout the season. His adaptability against both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset as he can seamlessly fit into different roles within the batting order based on match situations. Furthermore, Salt also impressed with his wicketkeeping skills, snapping 12 scalps behind the wicket while donning the gloves for the franchise. With KKR not having a good time with wicketkeepers prior to that, Salt should be in retention plans for KKR.
- Rinku Singh: (Capped)
Rinku Singh has emerged as a reliable middle-order batsman for KKR, highlighted by his rapid rise in Indian Cricket. However, in IPL 2024, he scored 168 runs at an average of 18.67 across 14 matches, with the highest score being 26. Despite a rather mid-season in IPL 2024, Rinku remains a valuable member of the core team and has finished many games for KKR over the past few years. Throughout his IPL career spanning 46 matches, he has accumulated 893 runs, boasting an average of 30.79 and a highest score of 67 not out, including four fifties.
His ability to finish games under pressure has made him an integral part of KKR’s batting lineup. Rinku gained prominence during IPL 2023 with his remarkable performance against Gujarat Titans, where he hit five consecutive sixes in the last over to lead KKR to victory. His consistent finishing abilities throughout the seasons have solidified his role as a dynamic player for KKR. Retaining Rinku would not only bolster KKR’s middle order but also provide them with a dynamic player who can adapt to various match situations and continue to develop into a future star.
- Harshit Rana: (Uncapped)
As an uncapped player, Harshit Rana has shown significant promise with his bowling skills during IPL 2024. He played 13 matches, taking 19 wickets at an impressive average of 20.16 and an economy rate of 9.08. His best bowling figures in a match were 3/24, showcasing his ability to deliver crucial performances when needed. Rana was KKR’s joint second-most wicket-taker in IPL 2024, demonstrating his importance within the bowling attack.
Throughout his IPL career, spanning 21 matches, he has taken a total of 25 wickets at an average of 23.24 and an economy rate of 9.05. His performances have been pivotal in providing breakthroughs during crucial moments throughout the season while maintaining consistent pressure on opposing batsmen with his pace bowling. Retaining Rana would allow KKR to secure a young talent who is on the rise and could develop into one of their leading bowlers in upcoming seasons.
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