IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders Probable List of Retained Players Ahead of 2025 Mega Auction

IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be defending their title in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). Shreyas Iyer led them to their long-awaited third IPL title in 2024, and KKR were the best team of the tournament. A number of players contributed to the title win, which will make it tough for the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

As per the rule, every franchise can only retain a limited number of plans. As per Cricbuzz, a team will have an option of six retentions (4 retentions + 2 RTM). So, who will be those six players whom KKR will retain ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction? They have a star-studded squad, and it will be a big headache for the franchise. So let’s talk about the probable list of players to be retained by KKR ahead of the IPL 2025.

IPL 2025: List of players to be retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2025

1. Sunil Narine

Narine was the MVP for KKR in the IPL 2024 because of the way he performed with bat and ball. He had the best season of his IPL career. Narine showed his batting potential in 2024. He scored most runs for KKR (488) in 14 innings at an excellent strike rate of 180.74, with one century and three half-centuries. With the ball, he took 17 wickets at an economy rate of 6.69. So, he will be among the first-choice retention ahead of the IPL 2025.

2. Andre Russell

Just like Narine, star all-rounder Andre Russell is likely to be the automatic retention for the defending champion. He also played his part in KKR’s triumph in 2024. Russell ended up taking 19 wickets in 14 innings and scoring 222 runs at an average and strike rate of 31.71 and 185, respectively. He is one of the few players who can win games from any position, which is why KKR won’t risk releasing him.

3. Shreyas Iyer

KKR bought Shreyas Iyer in 2022 because they needed a captain, and Iyer showed it last season and led them to their IPL title. Iyer also did a pretty good job with the bat and scored 351 runs at 39 and a strike rate of 146.86 with two half-centuries. So, the franchise might not look for another captain. Hence, they are likely to retain Iyer in the IPL 2025.

4. Varun Chakravarthy

The spin duo of Narine and Varun Chakravarthy is the key to success for KKR. Varun ended the IPL 2024 as the second-highest wicket-taker. He took 21 wickets in 14 innings at an economy rate of 8.04. His mystery spin is something which is not easy to pick. Hence, KKR might stick with him, despite having some other players to retain ahead of the IPL 2025.

5. Phil Salt

Phil Salt joined KKR in the IPL 2024 as replacement, and it turned out to be a brilliant move. The English opener had a brilliant season with the bat, and he, along with Narine, made an unbeatable opening pair. Salt left the team ahead of the playoffs. He scored 435 runs in 12 innings at an average and strike rate of 39.54 and 182, respectively. Salt also scored four half-centuries. So, KKR might try to get him with the RTM card.

6. Rinku Singh

The Southpaw has been part of KKR since 2018. The franchise has groomed, and now he has become a match-winning finisher. After spending a lot of time on Rinku Singh, KKR will try to get him back. That’s where they can try the RTM card for Rinku to get back if released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings Probable List of Retained Players Ahead of 2025 Mega Auction