Kolkata Knight Rider’s 2025 Squad
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have built a well-balanced squad for the 2025 IPL season, blending explosive batters, dynamic all-rounders, and a lethal bowling attack. With experienced veterans and promising young talents, KKR will look to defend their IPL title and maintain their dominance in the league.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Shreyas Iyer |
| Batters | Quinton de Kock (Overseas), Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell (Overseas), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ajinkya Rahane, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Overseas), Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Luvnith Sisodia |
| All-rounders | Moeen Ali (Overseas), Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine (Overseas), Anukul Roy, Andre Russell (Overseas) |
| Bowlers | Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson (Overseas), Mayank Markande, Anrich Nortje (Overseas), Umran Malik, Varun Chakravarthy |
Support Staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| CEO and Managing Director | Venky Mysore |
| Team Manager | Wayne Bentley |
| Head Coach | Chandrakant Pandit |
| Mentor | Dwayne Bravo |
| Spin Bowling Coach | Carl Crowe |
| Bowling Coach | Bharat Arun |
| Head of Scouting | Biju George |
| Analyst | Nathan Leamon |
| Strength and Conditioning Coach | Chris Donaldson |
| Physiotherapist | Prasanth Panchada |
Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a highly aggressive approach at the IPL 2025 mega auction, making big-money moves to retain and acquire key players. The franchise spent ₹14.28 million, leaving just ₹0.01 million in their purse, and filled 21 of their 25 available slots, including all eight overseas slots.
The biggest headline from KKR’s auction was their record-breaking bid for Venkatesh Iyer, who rejoined the franchise for an eye-watering ₹23.75 crore after a fierce bidding war with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This made Iyer the fourth-most expensive player in IPL history. Despite his proven all-round ability, former KKR captain Eoin Morgan questioned the move, calling it a significant overspend compared to other top-tier players like KL Rahul.
Alongside Iyer, KKR strengthened their top order by bringing in Quinton de Kock (₹3.6 crore) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (₹2 crore), ensuring they have two solid wicketkeeper-batters. They also secured power-hitters Rovman Powell (₹0.18 crore) and Ajinkya Rahane (₹0.18 crore), bolstering the middle order with experience and finishing ability.
In the bowling department, KKR reacquired Anrich Nortje for ₹6.5 crore, adding express pace to their attack. They also brought in Spencer Johnson (₹0.33 crore) and Vaibhav Arora (₹0.21 crore) to strengthen their fast-bowling unit. Umran Malik (₹0.09 crore) and Mayank Markande (₹0.04 crore) were added as promising young Indian pace and spin options.
| Player | Type | Base Price (Mn) | Sold Price (Mn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venkatesh Iyer | All-Rounder | 0.24 | 2.83 |
| Rinku Singh | Batter | – | 1.55 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | All-Rounder | – | 1.43 |
| Andre Russell | All-Rounder | – | 1.43 |
| Sunil Narine | Bowler | – | 1.43 |
| Anrich Nortje | Bowler | 0.24 | 0.77 |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler | – | 0.48 |
| Ramandeep Singh | All-Rounder | – | 0.48 |
| Quinton de Kock | Batter | 0.24 | 0.43 |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Batter | 0.04 | 0.36 |
| Spencer Johnson | Bowler | 0.24 | 0.33 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Batter | 0.24 | 0.24 |
| Moeen Ali | All-Rounder | 0.24 | 0.24 |
| Vaibhav Arora | Bowler | 0.04 | 0.21 |
| Rovman Powell | Batter | 0.18 | 0.18 |
| Ajinkya Rahane | Batter | 0.18 | 0.18 |
| Umran Malik | Bowler | 0.09 | 0.09 |
| Manish Pandey | Batter | 0.09 | 0.09 |
| Anukul Roy | All-Rounder | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| Luvnith Sisodia | Batter | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Mayank Markande | Bowler | 0.04 | 0.04 |
- Total Purse Spent: 14.28 Mn
- Purse Left: 0.01 Mn
- Total Players Bought: 21/25
- Overseas Players Bought: 8/8
Kolkata Knight Riders 2025 IPL Fixtures
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-profile opening match at Eden Gardens against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The team will look to defend their IPL title with a balanced mix of home and away games, playing crucial fixtures at Eden Gardens, Wankhede, Chepauk, and Mullanpur.
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (GMT) | Local Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 22 Mar ’25 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Eden Gardens | 2:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Wed, 26 Mar ’25 | Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Guwahati | 2:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Mon, 31 Mar ’25 | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Wankhede | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Thu, 03 Apr ’25 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Eden Gardens | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Sun, 06 Apr ’25 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | Eden Gardens | 10:00 AM | 3:30 PM |
| Fri, 11 Apr ’25 | Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Chennai | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Tue, 15 Apr ’25 | Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Mullanpur | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Mon, 21 Apr ’25 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans | Eden Gardens | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Sat, 26 Apr ’25 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings | Eden Gardens | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Tue, 29 Apr ’25 | Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Delhi | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Sun, 04 May ’25 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals | Eden Gardens | 10:00 AM | 3:30 PM |
| Wed, 07 May ’25 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings | Eden Gardens | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Sat, 10 May ’25 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Hyderabad | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Sat, 17 May ’25 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Bengaluru | 3:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
Kolkata Knight Riders will look to maximize their advantage at Eden Gardens, with multiple home games lined up against key opposition.
Key KKR Matches
- Home Dominance at Eden Gardens: KKR will play seven matches at their home ground, aiming to capitalize on their strong home record.
- Tough Away Fixtures: Mumbai Indians at Wankhede (Mar 31) – A crucial test against a team known for their dominance at home.
- Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk (Apr 11 & May 7) – A rematch of two former IPL champions in high-intensity clashes.
- RCB at Chinnaswamy (May 17) – A match that could potentially decide playoff standings.
Key Rivalries
- KKR vs CSK (Apr 11 & May 7) – A battle of IPL’s most iconic teams.
- KKR vs RCB (Mar 22 & May 17) – A matchup of two teams with passionate fan bases.
Past Performances and Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL History
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have had a rollercoaster journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since their inception in 2008. They have won the IPL title three times (2012, 2014, and 2024), cementing their reputation as one of the most successful and competitive teams in the league. However, their journey has also been marked by inconsistent seasons, struggling in some editions before bouncing back stronger.
The Rise of KKR – Three-Time Champions
KKR had a rough start in the first three seasons, failing to qualify for the playoffs. However, under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir, they won their first IPL title in 2012, finishing second in the league stage before defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final.
In 2014, KKR once again finished second in the league stage before dominating the playoffs and winning their second IPL title, defeating Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the final.
The franchise had a long drought without a title until 2024, when they finished first in the league stage and went on to win their third IPL title, marking their return to the top of the competition.
Inconsistent Years and Playoff Finishes
Between 2015 and 2023, KKR had a mixed record. They reached the playoffs in 2016, 2017, and 2018, with consistent top-four finishes. In 2021, they came close to another title, finishing as runners-up, but failed to make it past the group stage in 2022 and 2023.
Their 2024 resurgence saw them reclaim their place as IPL champions, proving their ability to bounce back after two disappointing seasons.
Kolkata Knight Riders Overall IPL Record
| Year | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | No Result | Win % | Final Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 46.16% | 6/8 |
| 2009 | 14 | 3 | 10 | 1 | 23.07% | 8/8 |
| 2010 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 50.00% | 6/8 |
| 2011 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 53.33% | 4/10 |
| 2012 | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 70.58% | 1/9 |
| 2024 | 16 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 78.57% | 1/10 |
| Total | 257 | 131 | 120 | 6 | 52.19% | 3 IPL Titles |
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Home Venue: Eden Gardens
Kolkata Knight Riders play their home matches at Eden Gardens, one of the most historic and iconic cricket stadiums in the world. Located in Kolkata, West Bengal, it is India’s oldest cricket stadium and is often referred to as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket.” With a massive seating capacity of approximately 68,000, it is one of the largest cricket venues globally, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate fans.
The stadium, established in 1864, has hosted some of the most legendary cricket matches, including ICC World Cup finals, T20 World Cup games, and historic Test matches. Eden Gardens is synonymous with intense cricketing rivalries and has witnessed some of the greatest moments in IPL history, particularly KKR’s title-winning campaigns in 2012, 2014, and 2024.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at Eden Gardens has evolved over the years. Initially known for its spin-friendly conditions, it has more recently favored high-scoring matches, with a pitch that offers good bounce for pacers and true carry for batters. The shorter boundaries make it a batter’s paradise, but spinners like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy have used the conditions to their advantage by controlling the middle overs.
The Fan Factor
Eden Gardens is known for its high-energy crowd, with KKR fans creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. The sea of purple and gold in the stands, combined with the chants of “Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo”, makes KKR home games some of the most electrifying events in the IPL.
Who owns Kolkata Knight Riders?
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are owned by the Knight Riders Group (KRG), a global cricket brand that has expanded its footprint across multiple T20 leagues around the world. KRG is led by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, alongside actress Juhi Chawla and businessman Jay Mehta.
Since its inception in 2008, KKR has evolved into one of the biggest franchises in IPL history, not only in terms of on-field success but also in global expansion. The Knight Riders Group has been a pioneer in acquiring teams outside India, establishing a cricket empire that extends beyond the IPL.
Knight Riders Group’s Global Expansion
The Knight Riders Group is more than just an IPL franchise—it is a multi-league cricket powerhouse with teams in four different T20 leagues across the world.
- Caribbean Premier League (CPL):
- In 2015, KRG acquired a stake in the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel and rebranded the team as Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in 2016.
- Since the acquisition, TKR has become the most successful team in CPL history, winning multiple championships.
- In 2022, they also launched the Trinbago Knight Riders Women’s team in the Women’s CPL.
- International League T20 (ILT20) – UAE:
- KRG owns Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR), a franchise in UAE’s T20 league, launched in 2023.
- Major League Cricket (MLC) – USA:
- In December 2020, KRG invested in Major League Cricket (MLC), USA’s premier T20 league, and established the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR).
- In 2022, they announced the construction of a 10,000-seater cricket stadium in Los Angeles, in partnership with MLC and USA Cricket, as part of their long-term commitment to cricket in North America.
- Other Ventures:
- In 2017, KRG acquired a franchise in Cricket South Africa’s T20 Global League, but the league was scrapped before launch due to broadcasting issues.
- In 2021, KRG expressed interest in investing in ECB’s The Hundred, but the deal did not materialize.
How KRG is Changing Franchise Cricket
KRG has pioneered the model of IPL franchises expanding into multiple leagues worldwide, a trend that other teams have since followed. Their business approach combines global investment in cricket, brand-building, and talent scouting, ensuring a long-term future in franchise cricket.
With KKR’s continued success in the IPL and expanding influence in world cricket, the Knight Riders brand is stronger than ever, setting a global benchmark for franchise-based T20 leagues.
