IPL 2025 KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders Latest Released and Retained Players List

KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders finally broke the jinx of not winning the IPL title in the 17th edition and went on to add a third trophy to their cabinet. Gautam Gambhir brought his street smart tactics back to the team as he joined them in 2024 as mentor, and with captain Shreyas Iyer, he made KKR a brute force.

In 2014, KKR won their second title when Gambhir was the captain. Since then, they only made to the final once in 2021 under the captaincy of Eoin Morgan but lost against Chennai Super Kings. But now they have the title, and they will be eyeing to defend it in the coming season (IPL 2025). However, before that, KKR has even bigger things to do, which is finalise players to retain.

The IPL 2025 will have a mega auction, and every franchise can retain a maximum of six players, and all remaining players will be released. KKR has a number of players who have been part of the team for a long time now, and they will surely be looking to retain the core group of players before the IPL 2025 mega auction. In this article, we will talk about the players whom KKR can retain and the list of released players ahead of the IPL 2025.

IPL 2025 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Possible Retentions

1. Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine is probably the most important player for KKR in the IPL. He has been part of the team since 2012 and has played key roles in all three titles for Kolkata in the IPL. After Gambhir joined the team as mentor in 2024, he asked Narine to open the inning, and that decision was the game-changer. Narine ended up scoring most runs for KKR and won the Most Valuable Player of the award.

He scored 488 runs at a strike rate of over 180 and took 17 wickets with the ball at an economy rate of 6.69. Narine is the leading wicket-taker for the franchise in the IPL with 198 wickets and has scored over 1500 runs. So, he is likely to be the first name on the retention sheet for Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

2. Andre Russell 

Not just Narine; star all-rounder Andre Russell is another player who has been the match-winner for KKR in the IPL. Since joining the team in 2014, Russell has been the best player for the franchise in 11 seasons. He has taken second-most wickets for just them in the IPL and scored the most runs among the active players.

Russell has taken 116 wickets for KKR and scored 2491 runs as well. Even in the IPL 2024, he contributed with bat and ball. Russell scored 222 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 185 and took 19 wickets with the ball. With his ability to win matches in both departments, it looks very difficult to release him. Hence, he will be the second overseas retention ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

3. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer showed great captaincy skills in IPL 2024. He missed the 2023 edition due to injury but came back strongly in 2024 when he was sacked from the central contract by the BCCI and made a big statement. Iyer joined KKR in 2022 and filled the missing puzzle of captaincy. He had a great impact as captain and made some great moves.

With this bat as well, he led the team from front. Iyer scored 351 runs at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 146.89 with two half-centuries. Hence, the franchise might not look to release their captain, who has led them to the title in 2024.

4. Varun Chakravarty

Varun Chakravarty played a key role in 2024, which helped the franchise win their third title. He was their leading wicket-taker and took second-most wickets in the tournament. Varun has been part of the KKR setup since 2020 and has become a key part along with Narine. His variations and wicket-taking ability are very important for KKR, especially at home, Eden Gardens, which is a slow pitch.

That’s why the franchise might not release him ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Varun 21 wickets in 2024 at an economy rate of 8.04. He forms a deadly spin combination with Narine, which doesn’t allow the opposition to get away and gives an edge to the team.

5. Phil Salt

Phil Salt joined KKR in 2024 as a replacement for Jason Roy, but it turned out to be an excellent move. The English opener made a massive impact, and he was one of the key reasons that KKR dominated the group stage. However, he left the team ahead of the playoffs but did enough damage, which is enough that the franchise might keep him on their minds while deciding the retention list.

Though he might not be the first-choice retention, KKR can use the Right to Match (RTM) card on him and sign him back at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Salt scored 435 runs in just 12 innings at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 182, with four half-centuries. He makes a dangerous opening pair with Narine, and KKR is likely to stick to them in the IPL 2025.

6. Venkatesh Iyer 

Venkatesh Iyer didn’t have a great start to the IPL 2024, but he ended the tournament on a high. The Southpaw struck consecutive half-centuries in Qualifier 1 and the final and took the team to the target. He hit the winning run in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Venkatesh scored 370 runs at an average of 46.25 and a strike rate of 158.79.

He scored four half-centuries in the tournament. The Southpaw has been part of the team since 2021 and has scored 1326 runs in 49 innings. That is why, with the option of an RTM card, KKR will look to sign him back at the IPL 2025 mega auction. That is where he might get an edge ahead of Rinku Singh and Nitish Rana.

IPL 2025 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Possible Released Players List

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