Gemini AI forecasts KKR's moves for the upcoming auction, from top-order reinforcements to strengthening their bowling attack
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, set for November 24th and 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, promises to be a defining event for franchises, including the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). After claiming the IPL 2024 title, KKR is gearing up to defend their crown. This auction, the first since 2022, is critical for reshaping squads. KKR, backed by a loyal fanbase and rich history, will aim to build a winning team while preserving their legacy as champions.
Given it is incredibly hard to determine the results of the auction, we asked an AI tool to predict how KKR’s team could look like for the 2025 IPL. Here is the team generated by AI.
2025 IPL KKR players retention #TATAIPL #IPLRetention pic.twitter.com/OSWNOnvPwt
— 𝗪𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗻 (@wrestlingpro619) October 31, 2024
KKR has made calculated moves, retaining six key players for a combined INR 57 crore. This includes Rinku Singh (INR 13 crore), Varun Chakaravarthy (INR 12 crore), Sunil Narine (INR 12 crore), Andre Russell (INR 12 crore), and uncapped talents Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh (INR 4 crore each). These retentions reflect KKR's intent to create a balanced squad around proven match-winners. With INR 63 crore remaining in their purse, KKR will strategise carefully to fill gaps and sustain their championship-winning form.
Ishan Kishan not an option - who should come back through RTM, MI fans? 🤔 https://t.co/KJPUqV8u92 | #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/zdMUCjHhzE
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 14, 2024
With Shreyas Iyer no longer part of the squad, KKR will need a new captain and a reliable top-order batter. With his extensive IPL experience and leadership qualities, Andre Russell could step into the captaincy role. KKR may target experienced players like Faf du Plessis or Devdutt Padikkal for the top-order. Du Plessis, a seasoned opener, offers tactical insights and consistency, while Padikkal brings youth and dynamism. Securing Ishan Kishan as a wicketkeeper-batter would add stability and explosiveness to the top order. Kishan, a free agent after MI's non-use of the RTM card, could be a valuable asset to KKR's batting lineup.
I hope whichever team picks Washington Sundar this year will make him bat in the top order.
— Dhaval Patel (@CricCrazy0) November 17, 2024
He is not a power hitter but still has enough abilities to contribute at the top of the order with the bat which can be wasted if he is made to bat at 6/7.#IPL2025Auctions pic.twitter.com/qLxZSoW3qi
KKR's retention of Rinku Singh is a masterstroke for the middle order. With his ability to hit big sixes and finish games, Singh is a critical component of KKR's batting depth. The team could look to bring back Nitish Rana or even repurchase Shreyas Iyer during the auction. Rana's versatility and Iyer's consistency as a middle-order anchor will give KKR the much-needed balance. Venkatesh Iyer and Washington Sundar could complement the middle order with additional all-around capabilities. These players add depth and flexibility, strengthening KKR's batting and bowling department lineup.
🚨📰| T20 World Cup winner Arshdeep Singh is on Kolkata Knight Riders' radar. KKR are expected to go all guns for an all-Indian pace bowling line-up for IPL 2025.
— KnightRidersXtra (@KRxtra) November 6, 2024
(MINT) pic.twitter.com/fUzySf11pF
KKR could target experienced pacers like Mohammed Shami or the young, promising Arshdeep Singh to bolster their bowling attack. Shami's swing and experience in crucial phases would be invaluable, while Arshdeep's left-arm angle offers variety. With no Right to Match (RTM) cards available, KKR must depend on precise bidding to secure their targets. Their strategy will focus on building a versatile squad that excels in all conditions, blending experience and youth effectively.
Great news for Indian cricket fans! 🇮🇳
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) November 12, 2024
Mohammed Shami is set to return to red-ball cricket for Bengal's match against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.#MohammedShami pic.twitter.com/hoAfUZy9Ay
Faf du Plessis and Ishan Kishan are likely targets for the top-order and wicketkeeper-batter roles. Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, and Rinku Singh are expected to provide balance and stability for the middle order. In the all-rounder and bowling departments, Venkatesh Iyer, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh are predicted to add depth, combining experience and youth to KKR's lineup.