The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up to claim their fourth IPL title in 2025, aiming to add another chapter to their storied history. The defending champions is focused on building a balanced squad under astute leadership.
After retaining key players the franchise is now targeting dynamic talent in the auction. With a loyal fanbase and a legacy of comebacks, they are strategizing to outclass their rivals. The Knights are ready to rise again and bring the trophy back to Kolkata.
In IPL 2024, KKR secured their third title under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy with an 8-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, Iyer, who led the Knights in the 17th season, has not been retained.
RETAINED CORE PLAYERS
Having retained six players from that squad, KKR head into the auction with no RTM cards available and a remaining purse of Rs 51 crore. KKR have retained six players for Rs 69 crore.
Rising star Rinku Singh has been retained for a hefty sum of Rs 13 crore, while Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell were retained for Rs 12 crore each. Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh were signed under the uncapped player category for Rs 4 crore each.
Narine delivered a standout performance in IPL 2024, excelling with both bat and ball to play a key role in KKR's title-winning campaign. The Caribbean all-rounder amassed 488 runs at a blistering strike rate of 180.74 in 14 matches and claimed 17 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.69.
Russell showcased his all-round brilliance, scoring 222 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 185.00 and picking up 19 wickets despite an economy rate of 10.05 in 14 matches.
Indian batter Rinku contributed 168 runs at a strike rate of 148.67 in 15 games, while all-rounder Ramandeep struck 125 runs at an incredible strike rate of 201.61 in as many matches.
Seamer Rana was a vital cog in KKR's bowling unit, taking 19 wickets at an economy rate of 9.08 across 13 matches. Mystery spinner Varun spearheaded the KKR attack, bagging 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8.04 in 14 matches, further solidifying his reputation as a match-winner.
REMAINING PURSE, AUCTION STRATEGY, KEY SLOTS TO FILL
With a substantial purse of Rs 51 crore and not Right-to-Match cards available, KKR are poised to make bold moves in the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. A key part of their strategy will be identifying a player capable of leading the side. KKR are expected to target marquee names, with wicketkeeper-batsman and former Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant being a prime contender. Another potential option is former Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul, whose leadership experience and batting prowess could make him an ideal fit.
Remaining purse: Rs 51 crore
WHY WAS RS 69 CRORE DEDUCTED FROM KKR PURSE DESPITE SPENDING JUST RS 57 CRORE
In total, KKR spent Rs 57 crore on player retention. However, due to retention rules, KKR’s purse was deducted by Rs 69 crore from the original Rs 120 crore.
As per the retention rules, if a team retains four capped players and two uncapped players, the deductions are fixed at Rs 18 crore for the first and fourth capped players, Rs 14 crore for the second capped player, Rs 11 crore for the third capped player, and Rs 4 crore each for the two uncapped players, totaling Rs 69 crore.
