IPL Retention: The IPL retention rules are officially out, and fans and experts have started forming combinations for each team. While each side has the problem of chalking down their preferred retentions, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might find it harder than several other teams.
They had a quality unit in the previous edition that played like a well-oiled machine and emerged as the best team in the competition. Each player performed their specific role consistently throughout the edition, which allowed the team to find a settled combination early in the season.
However, the mega auction will compel them to remove a few first-choice players and break that settled combination. Unfortunately, the big auction has come at the worst possible time for the Knight Riders, who will be sweating to pin down their retentions.
Will KKR retain Mitchell Starc for IPL 2025?
Former India pacer RP Singh has opined that KKR won’t retain Mitchell Starc ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. On Colors Cineplex, RP explained that Starc’s recent performances might play a role in his release.
“They will not have the temptation of Mitchell Starc, that’s what I feel, because even last year, he made an impact only in the big matches, and his recent performances have not been that good either. So I don’t feel KKR will think about Mitchell Starc,” said RP Singh on Mitchell Starc for IPL 2025 Auction.
In the last IPL, Mitchell Starc took 17 wickets at an average of 26.12 and a strike rate of 14.76 in 13 innings, including a four-wicket haul. While underwhelming during the league stage, Starc came in full flow during playoffs and churned out match-winning performances.