Kolkata Knight Riders : As the 2025 IPL Mega Auction approaches, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have finalized their core roster, retaining a few key players while making notable changes. Among these, KKR held onto Andre Russell in a late move, while Rinku Singh emerged as their highest-valued retention for the first time. Surprisingly, however, the franchise chose not to retain last season’s captain, Shreyas Iyer, or the star bowler Mitchell Starc. Both players were instrumental in their previous season’s success, with Iyer leading KKR to the title and Starc delivering key spells in the playoffs.
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Key Retentions and Exclusions
For the 2025 IPL, KKR retained a maximum of six players, the same as Rajasthan Royals, indicating their intent to balance experience and versatility. The team spent Rs. 57 crore on their core players, with a deduction of Rs. 69 crore from their auction budget due to IPL’s retention rules.
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Here’s a look at KKR’s retained players and their prices: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Rinku Singh – ₹13 crore
- Rinku Singh has been a pivotal player for KKR over the seasons, and his performance has earned him the highest retention price in the squad this year. Known for his explosive batting and ability to perform under pressure, Rinku’s growth in the IPL has made him a crowd favorite. KKR’s decision to invest heavily in him underscores his importance to the team’s plans for 2025.
- Varun Chakravarthy – ₹12 crore
- Known for his mystery spin, Varun Chakravarthy has been one of KKR’s most valuable assets in recent years. His ability to control the middle overs and take crucial wickets makes him a game-changer on slower pitches, especially at KKR’s home ground in Kolkata. His retention at ₹12 crore signals KKR’s trust in his match-winning potential.
- Sunil Narine – ₹12 crore
- A KKR legend, Sunil Narine has been a franchise mainstay since his debut in the IPL. As an experienced all-rounder, Narine’s bowling variations and explosive lower-order hitting make him an invaluable player. KKR’s decision to retain him shows their commitment to maintaining a balance of seasoned players and emerging talents.
- Andre Russell – ₹12 crore
- Another KKR icon, Andre Russell’s retention, although confirmed late, was a relief for fans. Known for his incredible power-hitting and ability to change games single-handedly, Russell has been a game-changer for KKR over the years. Despite occasional injuries, his impact in crucial games is undeniable, making his ₹12 crore retention a strategic investment.
- Harshit Rana – ₹4 crore
- Harshit Rana, one of the team’s rising young talents, has been retained for his promise and potential to add depth to the bowling attack. Though still establishing his IPL career, his retention at ₹4 crore indicates KKR’s belief in his long-term development as a reliable bowler.
- Ramandeep Singh – ₹4 crore
- Ramandeep Singh, another young all-rounder, has shown flashes of brilliance. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides KKR with additional flexibility. With his ₹4 crore retention, KKR seems to be investing in young players who can complement their core senior players.
Notable Omissions
The absence of Shreyas Iyer and Mitchell Starc from the retention list has generated significant discussion. Iyer, who led KKR to an IPL title last season, and Starc, one of the most expensive IPL players ever, were both expected to be retained. However, with the franchise possibly looking to explore other leadership options and bowling depth, they made the strategic choice not to retain these two. Kolkata Knight Riders
Budget Strategy for the Auction
With their retained players taking a substantial portion of their budget, KKR will enter the auction with a remaining amount to acquire new players who can strengthen their squad. Their focus may likely be on reinforcing the middle-order batting, finding an effective wicketkeeper-batsman, and adding more depth in pace bowling to support Russell and Rana. Kolkata Knight Riders
Summary of Retained Players and Retention Prices: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Rinku Singh: ₹13 crore
- Varun Chakravarthy: ₹12 crore
- Sunil Narine: ₹12 crore
- Andre Russell: ₹12 crore
- Harshit Rana: ₹4 crore
- Ramandeep Singh: ₹4 crore
Final Thoughts
KKR’s strategy this year reflects a mix of loyalty to seasoned players and trust in emerging talents. By retaining six players, they have secured a strong core, allowing them to build around it in the auction. Fans will be eager to see how KKR utilizes their remaining budget to create a balanced squad that can replicate or even surpass last season’s success. Kolkata Knight Riders
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