As the excitement for the 18th edition of TATA IPL builds, cricket fans across the globe are already discussing the upcoming mega-auction. One team at the center of this debate is Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the defending champions, who will face a tough decision on who to retain for the next season.
Despite their stellar performance in 2024, KKR’s management has voted against holding the mega-auction, but the BCCI remains firm on its decision to proceed, leaving the team with the difficult task of narrowing down their core group of players.
With Gautam Gambhir, their mentor, and key members of the coaching staff moving on to other roles, the franchise finds itself in a transitional phase. While the IPL 2025 Schedule is yet to be officially announced, KKR must act swiftly to form a strong unit before the tournament begins.
So, let’s take a closer look into the possible KKR retained players in 2025.
Who Are the Possible KKR Retained Players 2025?
1. Shreyas Iyer: The Captain Leading from the Front
First and foremost on KKR’s retention list for 2025 is undoubtedly their skipper, Shreyas Iyer. Iyer’s captaincy was instrumental in guiding the team to victory in 2024. He showed his ability to make bold decisions under pressure. His leadership, combined with his consistency with the bat, makes him a crucial asset for them as they look to retain their core players.
In the 2024 IPL season, Iyer scored 351 runs across 15 matches at an impressive strike rate of 146.86. His calmness on the field and tactical game plan helped Kolkata Knight Riders go through tricky situations, including the now-iconic final over where he handed the ball to Harshit Rana, leading KKR to their third IPL title. Letting him go to the auction would be a huge blow for the franchise, especially with other teams on the lookout for a strong captain.
Shreyas Iyer IPL Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 115 | 115 | 18 | 3,127 | 96 | 32.24 | 2453 | 127.48 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 271 | 113 |
2. Andre Russell: The Powerhouse of KKR
When talking about KKR retained players 2025, it’s impossible not to mention the West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell. Known for his match-winning abilities with both the bat and ball, Russell has been a key figure for Kolkata Knight Riders over the years. Despite fitness concerns due to his age, Russell proved in 2024 that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
In the 2024 IPL season, Russell scored 222 runs with a jaw-dropping strike rate of 185 and picked up 19 wickets, finishing as the fourth-leading wicket-taker. His ability to change the game in a matter of overs makes him irreplaceable, and his experience adds tremendous value to the team. Not to mention, Russell’s long-standing relationship with the team, both on and off the field, strengthens the franchise’s decision to retain him. His connection with Eden Gardens and the KKR fan base is another reason why Kolkata won’t be parting ways with him anytime soon.
Andre Russel IPL Stats:
# Batting Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 126 | 105 | 20 | 2,484 | 88 | 29.22 | 1420 | 174.93 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 170 | 209 |
# Bowling Stats:
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
| IPL | 126 | 112 | 1697 | 2,646 | 115 | 5/15 | 5/15 | 9.36 | 23.01 | 14.76 | 1 | 0 |
3. Sunil Narine: A Vital Cog in the KKR Machine
Sunil Narine’s all-around brilliance has made him one of the most notable players in KKR’s history. Under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, Narine transitioned from a bowling specialist to a dangerous opener. He opened the innings for KKR with Phil Salt in last year’s IPL. And, his contributions to their title-winning campaign in 2024 were immense.
In the last season, Narine scored 488 runs and claimed crucial wickets, cementing his place as one of team’s most dependable players. His unorthodox bowling and fearless batting at the top of the order have made him a match-winner in various situations. Despite the inevitable player shuffle in the auction, they would find it hard to imagine their squad without Narine’s versatile skill set. With Narine continuing to perform at the highest level, retaining him for 2025 would provide KKR with the balance they need between experienced players and emerging talents.
Sunil Narine IPL Stats:
# Batting Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 176 | 110 | 20 | 1,534 | 109 | 17.04 | 925 | 165.84 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 164 | 97 |
# Bowling Stats:
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
| IPL | 176 | 175 | 4075 | 4,571 | 180 | 5/19 | 5/19 | 6.73 | 25.39 | 22.64 | 1 | 0 |
4. Rinku Singh: The Future of KKR
Rinku Singh, though he had a quieter 2024 season compared to his explosive 2023 campaign, remains one of KKR’s most exciting young talents. With his aggressive batting style and impressive fielding abilities, Rinku has earned the trust of the team’s management, and they will likely back him for the next IPL season despite his underwhelming stats last year.
In 2024, Rinku managed to score 168 runs in 11 matches with a strike rate of 148.67. His potential, however, goes far beyond these numbers, and the franchise’s long-term investment in his development shows their confidence in his ability. Rinku’s versatility as a batter, fielder, and even a part-time bowler makes him a valuable asset for the future. With the upcoming IPL edition, they might hope to see him fully realize his potential and contribute more consistently.
Rinku Singh IPL Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 45 | 40 | 11 | 893 | 67 | 30.79 | 623 | 143.34 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 67 | 46 |
5. Phil Salt: The Explosive Opener
Another player that Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to retain for 2025 is the English opener Phil Salt. Salt was a standout performer in the 2024 IPL, amassing 435 runs in just 12 matches before leaving midway for national duties. His aggressive approach at the top of the order gave KKR a much-needed edge, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
For 2025, the management will be keen to hold on to Salt, who can provide stability and firepower as an opener. His ability to handle pressure and deliver consistent performances will be critical, especially with the franchise entering a phase of transition. Salt’s retention would be a wise move, giving KKR a solid foundation for their batting lineup in 2025.
Phil Salt IPL Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 21 | 21 | 2 | 653 | 89 | 34.37 | 372 | 175.54 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 74 | 34 |
6. Angkrish Raghuvanshi: The Rising Star
Lastly, Kolkata Knight Riders is likely to keep their faith in young Indian batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Though uncapped, Raghuvanshi made headlines during the 2024 season. He showcased his talent in the limited opportunities he got. Scoring 163 runs, including a quickfire half-century, Raghuvanshi caught the eye of the cricketing community with his aggressive stroke play and ability to adapt to challenging situations.
At just 20 years old, Raghuvanshi represents the future of Kolkata Knight Riders. They will likely retain him as part of their strategy in IPL 2025 to nurture young talent while building for the future. His retention could pay off handsomely, as he continues to grow and mature as a cricketer in the upcoming season.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi IPL Stats:
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| IPL | 10 | 7 | 0 | 163 | 54 | 23.29 | 105 | 155.24 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 8 |
So, as we look ahead to the new edition of TATa IPL, the retention choices that Kolkata Knight Riders make will play a significant role in shaping their squad for the next cycle.
With players like Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine likely to stay, KKR has the foundation to remain competitive in the league. The inclusion of young talents like Rinku Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi adds further depth to their lineup, ensuring that they’re prepared for whatever challenges 2025 brings.
With the mega-auction coming up, it will be exciting to see how Kolkata Knight Riders handle the tough choices of retaining players as they get ready to defend their title in 2025.
