So, here comes the defending champions, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). They made a big, bold move by releasing their captain, Shreyas Iyer after he couldn’t agree with a retention amount before the IPL 2025 retentions. Regardless, they decided to keep most of their players and were the only team to keep two uncapped players. Rinku Singh, who was unearthed by KKR themselves, is the costliest retention pick at Rs 13 crore. Meanwhile, the trio of Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell will get Rs 12 crore each.
This has left them with just ₹51 crore left in the bank, making them the franchise with the fourth-smallest IPL auction purse. With the mega auction slated to happen on November 24-25, we have made a “Dream XI” for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Below, we have put the best possible combination that the KKR could pick at the auction. While we know that no one can predict what happens at an IPL auction, it’s important to note that this is a purely speculative exercise. On that note, let’s hop into it!
KKR. 1) Phil Salt (O)
Phil Salt was a great signing for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season as he proved to be a superb opening partner for Sunil Narine. Salt, who has now led England as well, made 435 runs at an average close to 40 and at an immaculate strike rate of 182.01. While KKR don’t have an RTM cards left with them, they would love to buy back their wicket-keeping star back.
KKR. 2) Sunil Narine (O)
There are two players who are currently synonymous with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and one of them is Sunil Narine. The flamboyant all-rounder was the Player of the Tournament in IPL 2024, as he played a crucial role in KKR’s third championship win. Narine, a bona fide T20 legend, has 198 wickets and has 1535 runs for the franchise.
KKR. 3) Mitchell Marsh (O)
Despite Mitchell Marsh being an injury-prone player, he is a world-class T20 talent who can change a course of any game within a few balls. Him playing at number three would keep KKR’s aggressive intent going. While he hasn’t touched his true potential in IPL yet, KKR should try to get him as he might not cost them huge bucks. Across all T20s, he has 4,425 runs apart from 85 wickets at a good economy rate of 8.44.
KKR. 4) Nitish Rana
Another player who KKR would love to have back is their IPL 2023 skipper Nitish Rana. The southpaw has made a name for himself at the franchise, having played 90 matches. In this period, Rana has 2,199 runs at a SR close to 140. Knowing KKR from in and out, he could be a great number four option.
KKR. 5) Rinku Singh
A promising talent that was unearthed by the Knight Riders, the sight of the batter finishing matches for the side, especially the five back-to-back sixes off Yash Dayal, lives rent free in the minds of fans. Rinku has 893 runs from 45 matches that he has played for KKR so far. This would be a crucial year for him. After all, he is the costliest retention pick for KKR.
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KKR. 6) Andre Russell (O)
There were some murmurs that KKR might not retain Andre Russell. However, they ultimately made him stay for Rs 12 crore, which might be a steal. His retention should’ve been a guaranteed one, given that he is not just an integral part of the franchise over the years but is also a part of the side’s CPL team as well. With 2484 runs and 115 wickets to his name since making his debut in 2012, Russell has been KKR’s most-valuable player over the years.
KKR. 7) Ramandeep Singh
While he is now a capped player, Ramandeep Singh was retained for just Rs 4 crore as an uncapped talent. He was a key player for the Kolkata Knight Riders during their title-winning campaign in the 2024 IPL, impressing with both bat and ball. The talented all-rounder boasts a strike rate of 167.83 in T20 cricket, showcasing his aggressive batting style. His ability to contribute with the ball, maintaining an economy rate of 7.76, adds further value to his game. He claimed an incredible SR of 201.06. Watch out, IPL 2025 might be his year.
KKR. 8) Harpreet Brar
Elongating KKR’s batting lineup is Harpreet Brar. The left-arm spinner would add variety to the already world-class spin department. He was let go by Punjab Kings (PBKS), where he impressed with 223 runs and 25 wickets. Brar could be an ideal pick for KKR, who would love to continue their dominance on spin-friendly Eden Gardens.
KKR. 9) Harshit Rana
Pacer Harshit Rana has been retained at a frugal price of Rs 4 crore. The IPL team was handed a blessing in disguise after his much-awaited India debut has been delayed, allowing the IPL side to retain him for a lesser price since he is uncapped. The young pacer had a breakout season in 2024, bagging 19 out of the 25 wickets that he has taken in his IPL career. His ability to bowl a variety of deliveries at different speeds makes him one of the best pacers that KKR would surely want to have in their XI. Moreover, he can wield the long handle as well.
KKR. 10) Varun Chakaravarthy
What a turnaround it has been for Varun Chakaravarthy! 2024 has been a stellar one for the mystery spinner, who has been enjoying his career-best year. So far, he has played across 20 innings, he has plucked away 36 wickets at an economy rate of around 7.5. Even in the ongoing T20Is against South Africa, Chakaravarthy has been hard to tackle with, having taken 10 wickets at an unheard SR of 7.2.
KKR.11) Arshdeep Singh
Here comes the big money signing for KKR – Arshdeep Singh. It was surprising that the Punjab Kings (PBKS) released their star. While it will definitely be difficult to sign him for KKR, he could form the most lethal pace bowling partnership with Rana and other spinners. IPL 2024 was quite superb for Arshdeep as he took 19 wickets at a bowling SR of 15.8. He is already India’s leading wicket-taking pacer in T20Is.
Dream XI for KKR at IPL 2025 Auction
| No. | Player Name | Role |
| 1 | Phil Salt (wk) | Wicket-keeper (Overseas) |
| 2 | Sunil Narine | All-rounder (Overseas) |
| 3 | Mitchell Marsh | All-rounder (Overseas) |
| 4 | Nitish Rana | Batter |
| 5 | Andre Russell | All-rounder (Overseas) |
| 6 | Ramandeep Singh | All-rounder |
| 7 | Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper |
| 8 | Harpreet Brar | Bowling all-rounder |
| 9 | Harshit Rana | Bowler |
| 10 | Varun Chakaravarthy | Bowler |
| 11 | Arshdeep Singh | Bowler |
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