4 Players KKR should retain ahead of IPL 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders have done it and became the third best team with most IPL trophies in their cabinet by winning the IPL 2024 title.
Led by Shreyas Iyer, KKR managed to defeat the batting powerhouse SRH in the most comprehensive way possible during the night of the finals.
Opted to bat, SRH faced a shaky start in front of KKR pacers and failed to regain some momentum and were bowled out for only 113. Kolkata, in reply, chased down the target with 8 wickets in hand and 57 balls to spare.
The rejoining of Gautam Gambhir, who led KKR to first 2 titles (2012, 2014), as mentor ahead of 2024, boasted a much-needed confidence in team, and his decision to hand over Sunil Narine the opening responsibility works in big favour for the team.
The Knight Riders played outstanding cricket as a unit, and everyone contributed their best when it mattered the most for the side, putting the management under dilemma for the next year’s action, as there is a mega auction in 2025, and a franchise could only retain a maximum of four players and use 1 right to match (RTM) according to the current rules.
We look at the possible players who KKR should retain ahead of IPL 2025.
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Shreyas Iyer
The man of the moment, Shreyas Iyer has led the KKR to their third IPL trophy with his fantastic captaincy stint in IPL 2024. On top of that, has performed well with the bat too despite captaincy pressure with 351 runs in 15 games. KKR will be needing his services to defend the title, and the franchise will likely to retain him as their first-choice player.
Sunil Narine
Narine has been the most important player for Kolkata Knight Riders for over 12 years now and will remain until he announces his retirement. He won IPL 2024 most valuable player award for his outstanding all-around performance this season.
The West Indies player struck most runs with the bat for KKR this season with 488 runs in 15 games and took 17 wickets with ball.
Mitchell Starc
The Aussie great has left all stunned with his performance in the qualifier 1 and the finale game of IPL 2024 by winning player of match in both the occasion and justified his price tag of INR 24.75 (highest ever in IPL history)
Andre Russell
Another West Indies maestro Andre Russell, who joined the KKR franchise ahead of 2014 season, and has remained the part of the Kolkata team till now. His ability to change the course of the game in quick time while batting down the order and bowling prowess, making him an asset every team wanting in their team. And KKR will not let him go at any cost.
Right to Match – Venkatesh Iyer or Varun Chakaravarthy
Venkatesh Iyer has been phenomenal with the bat for Kolkata Knight Riders and has delivered on needed occasions. While Varun Chakaravarthy, who grabbed the highest wicket for the side in IPL 2024, is another player KKR will look to keep him in the team.
