KKR's success in IPL 2025 will depend on finding the right balance between retaining their core stars and maintaining flexibility for the auction
Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have some tough decisions to make ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. After their sensational IPL 2024 title win, the team will look to keep its core intact while also making smart choices to stay competitive. With a maximum of six retentions allowed and only five of those being capped players, KKR will need to balance star power, youth, and financial flexibility. Their successful combination of leadership, explosive batting, and spin magic makes their retention choices even more critical for their continued dominance.
๐๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐จ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ง ๐๐ช๐๐๐๐จ ๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ง ๐ฉ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ง๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ฎ ๐ฃ๐#KolkataKnightRiders #IPL2024 #ShreyasIyer #KKRvSRH pic.twitter.com/Qf1V7ypTgC
โ Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) May 26, 2024
The most straightforward route for KKR is to retain the core that delivered their third IPL title in 2024. Shreyas Iyer (18 crore), the captain, is the glue that holds this team together. He amassed 351 runs in IPL 2024, making a solid return after missing IPL 2023. With Shreyas at the helm, KKR found stability in leadership and the middle order.
Sunil Narine wins his 3rd Most Valuable Player Award in the IPL. Biggest legend of KKR. pic.twitter.com/Nm71qTywSq
โ R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 26, 2024
Next up is Sunil Narine (18 crore), KKR's magical spinner, who has been a cornerstone of their success since 2012. With 1534 runs and 180 wickets, Narine's value goes beyond stats. His dual role as an opener and a wicket-taking spinner makes him a must-retain.
One Obvious Retention of KKR before IPL Mega Auction- Lord Rinku Singh ๐ฆpic.twitter.com/gAuyeWxUcu
โ Brendon Mishra ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฅ (@KKRKaFan) August 31, 2024
Rinku Singh (14 crore) is another retention no-brainer. Known for his finishing prowess, Rinku has become one of the IPL's most exciting batters. His match-winning sixes and composure under pressure make him a key player.
KKR should also retain Andre Russell (11 crore), their MVP over the years. Russell's power-hitting and wicket-taking ability have helped KKR out of tight spots time and again. Lastly, the young and uncapped pacer Harshit Rana (4 crore) deserves a spot. His breakout season in 2024, where he took 19 wickets, cemented his place in KKR's plans.
โขSunil Narine- 488 runs+17 wickets๐
โ Brendon Mishra ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฅ (@KKRKaFan) August 1, 2024
โขAndre Russell- 222 runs+19 wickets๐
โขMitchell Starc- 17 wickets+ MoM in Knockouts๐
โขPhil Salt- 435 runs+3rd best wicket keeper๐
No team will want a Mega Auction when you have 4 Goat overseas player in your team like KKR ๐ซก pic.twitter.com/79BTL1mIOD
KKR might decide to take a bolder approach by retaining fewer big names to keep a larger auction purse. In this case, retaining Rinku Singh (14 crore) and Harshit Rana (4 crore) could be the focus. Rinku has shown that he can finish games single-handedly, and at 14 crore, he's worth every penny. Rana, meanwhile, is a rising star in KKR's pace attack, making his retention for 4 crore an easy decision.
HARSHIT RANA HAS VIRAL INFECTION...!!!!
โ Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 12, 2024
- KKR can retain Harshit Rana for just 4 Cr in IPL Retention. pic.twitter.com/bwZqDr64OM
This strategy frees up funds for the auction, where KKR could use Right to Match (RTM) cards for players like Andre Russell and Varun Chakravarthy. Both are key figures, and by letting them go into the auction pool and bringing them back via RTM, KKR could get them at a lower price than they would cost in retention.
20 Wickets in IPL 2023 โ
โ Rokte Amar KKR ๐ฃ๐ก (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) May 21, 2024
20 Wickets in IPL 2024 โ
Varun Chakravarthy, You Beauty ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/yZA6YnCAJf
For those who favour an aggressive retention strategy, KKR could aim to keep a power-packed squad by retaining as many top players as possible. This option starts with Shreyas Iyer (18 crore) and Sunil Narine (18 crore), who provide leadership and versatility.
Adding Rinku Singh (14 crore) as the finisher is a no-brainer. Harshit Rana (4 crore) brings bowling depth and youth to the team. Additionally, Venkatesh Iyer (8 crore), a dynamic all-rounder, offers balance to KKR's lineup. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a strong retention choice.
Finally, Varun Chakravarthy (10 crore) is KKR's mystery spin weapon. His knack for taking crucial wickets, especially in the middle overs, adds another layer to KKR's bowling attack.
Breaking โผ๏ธ๐จ
โ TravisBickle (@TravisbickleCSK) September 21, 2024
KKR is locked in a heated debate over whether to retain Mitchell Starc ahead of the mega auction, sparking speculation about internal disagreements within the camp. pic.twitter.com/Ccp9xl5F92
KKR made headlines in IPL 2024 when they bought Mitchell Starc for a record Rs 24.15 crore, making him the highest buy-in IPL history. But his performance didn't quite match the price tag. While he took 17 wickets, it wasn't enough to justify his retention ahead of IPL 2025. KKR will likely let Starc go and focus on retaining players who offer better value for money. With the likes of Russell and Rana performing consistently, KKR can afford to pass on the Australian pacer this time.
One of the most strategic ways for KKR to manage their retentions is by utilising the Right to Match (RTM) card for key players like Varun Chakravarthy and Venkatesh Iyer. Both have been consistent performers for the franchise, and KKR will want to bring them back without blowing their budget. Chakravarthy's mystery spin and Venkatesh's all-round abilities are difficult to replace, but using RTM could be a way to save on retention costs while still keeping these talents.