The current IPL champions and one of the most successful IPL teams, Kolkata Knight Riders, have consistently delivered solid performances over the years. In IPL 2024, they convincingly won the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad and clinched their third title. Several performers took center stage for the team and delivered amazing performances in the Eastern Derby. However, it is also true that not all top performers will be retained for IPL 2025, as it will be a mega auction.
Before the mega auction, all IPL teams are set to meet with the BCCI to discuss the retention policy. And possibly request an increase in retention numbers. According to the current IPL retention policy, a franchise can retain a maximum of three Indian players and two overseas players.
If this scenario continues, it will be interesting to see who gets retained and who does not. Since some players appear likely to be retained, let’s take a look at the names who may receive retention contracts for IPL 2025.
KKR players who could be retained for IPL 2025
Shreyas Iyer
There is a strong possibility that KKR will retain Shreyas Iyer. As he is one of the important players on the team. With 115 games, over 3,000 runs, and a crucial role as skipper. He led KKR to an IPL trophy after 10 years.
Despite an IPL 2024 season that was more off than on, scoring 351 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of 146.86. He has been valuable, especially in the middle overs, providing stability. Although KKR will look to bring in some new faces, it seems likely that he will remain one of the retained players for the franchise.
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Harshit Rana
The young pacer has silenced many batters with his bowling and impressed many cricket fans. Apart from Iyer, his name will surely be in contention for retention. Rana, who had an outstanding 2024 season with KKR, picked up 19 wickets and finished 5th among the leading wicket-takers. Whether it was controlling runs in the batting powerplay or taking wickets in the death overs, he played a valuable role in KKR’s triumph in the IPL 2024.
His performance in this cash-rich league was a key reason he received an ODI call-up against Sri Lanka series. However, Rana, who primarily bowled at the death overs faced some controversy. Including a one-match ban for his flying kiss celebration against SRH’s Mayank Agarwal.
Sunil Narine
Three-time MVP award winner and one of the most important players for the franchise, Sunil Narine, who has been with the team for the past 12 years, is a strong candidate for retention. Among all the players mentioned, he is likely to top the list. With his spin bowling, explosive cameo innings, and role as an opener, Narine has consistently proven his value. Whenever there have been doubts about his caliber, he has silenced critics with his performances.
With 176 matches, 1,534 runs at a massive strike rate of 165.84. And a bowling economy of 6.73, Narine stands fifth on the all-time IPL bowling list with 180 wickets. Although one notable name missing from the list is Andre Russell. And if the possibility of retaining 4-5 players is allowed, they might consider including Russell as well.
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