KKR might have just taken a big gamble by not retaining any fast-bowler at the recent IPL Retention. But at the same time, this comes as an opportunity for them, to gets some pacers at a cheaper price. At last year’s auction, they had spent a massive INR 24.75 Cr on Mitchell Starc, and this time around, maybe they can target an Indian bowler for much less.
Arshdeep Singh Over Mitchell Starc for KKR
A like-for-like replacement for Starc, for KKR, could be India’s Arshdeep Singh, who is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, and has been released this year by PBKS. So, in case Arshdeep is not RTMed by Punjab, then KKR should keep their cheque book ready for him.
Look at Arshdeep’s T20I record. In 56 matches, he has 87 wickets, at an economy of 8.28. If that is not enough, the 25-year-old had 19 wickets in 14 matches for Punjab this year. Overall, in 65 IPL matches, he has 76 wickets, which just show how useful he is for any team. He could be a great match to someone like a Harshit Rana, and can bowl in tandem with him, in start of the innings, and at death.
Apart from that, KKR have also retained Andre Russell, who is a good bowler too and offers a great deal with the bat. Then there is spin-twins — Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. That pretty much makes them one of the best teams in the IPL 2025 already. But of course, what happens eventually, will be decided on November 24, 25 at the IPL Auction in Jeddah.
KKR Retained Players
Rinku Singh: Rs 13 crore
Varun Chakaravarthy: Rs 12 crore
Sunil Narine: Rs 12 crore
Andre Russell: Rs 12 crore
Harshit Rana: Rs 4 crore
Ramandeep Singh: Rs 4 crore
