Look at the KKR Retained Players before the IPL 2025 Auction

With the IPL 2025 Auction approaching, the Kolkata Knight Riders are strategically planning their roster for the upcoming season. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet confirmed the retained players, assumptions based on recent performances suggest a core group could be retained to strengthen the team’s future prospects.

Here’s a look at the potential players who could be in KKR Retained Players:

Players who have given everything for KKR along with their statistical profiles and reasons for their anticipated retention. Also, have a look at SRH and RR’s Possible retained players list.

Shreyas Iyer

While captaining KKR in the IPL, Shreyas Iyer led the team in 28 games, securing 15 wins, 11 losses, and 2 no-contests. His leadership played a crucial role in KKR’s success, culminating in their IPL victory in 2024. In the 2024 season, Shreyas Iyer scored 351 runs in 14 matches with a highest score of 58*, averaging 39.00 with a strike rate of 146.86, including two half-centuries, 34 fours, and 14 sixes. He also took 10 catches.

In 2022, he accumulated 401 runs in 14 matches, with a highest score of 85, an average of 30.85, and a strike rate of 134.56, hitting 41 fours and 11 sixes, along with three half-centuries and 5 catches. Shreyas Iyer is central to KKR’s batting lineup and future plans as a solid top-order batsman with the capability to build partnerships.

Shreyas Iyer IPL stats

Batting Career

Format	M	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s
IPL	115	115	18	3127	96	32.24	2453	127.48	0	0	21	271	113

Bowling Career

Format	M	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W	10W
IPL	115	1	6	7	0	0/7	0/7	7.0	0.0	0.0	0	0

Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer has made a notable impact in the IPL while playing for KKR. In 50 matches, he has amassed 1,326 runs at an average of 31.57 and a strike rate of 137.13, including one century and 11 half-centuries. His highest score is 104, and he has hit 121 fours and 61 sixes. Although primarily known for his batting, Iyer has also contributed with the ball, taking 3 wickets in 9 innings with a best bowling figure of 2/29. His all-round abilities have been a valuable asset to KKR’s performance in the tournament.

Therefore, Venkatesh Iyer is an explosive all-rounder who has demonstrated his ability to change the course of a game with both bat and ball. His century and eleven half-centuries in just 50 matches show his potential as a match-winner. Although his bowling has been underutilized, he offers versatility, making him a crucial asset in KKR’s lineup. His ability to accelerate the innings and contribute with the ball makes him an important player for the future.

Venkatesh Iyer IPL stats

Batting Career

Matches	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s
50	49	7	1326	104	31.57	967	137.13	1	0	11	121	61

Bowling Career

Matches	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W	10W
50	9	81	143	3	2/29	2/29	10.59	47.67	27.0	0	0

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine has been a key player for KKR in the IPL, showcasing his all-round abilities over 176 matches. With the bat, he has scored 1,534 runs at an average of 17.04 and a striking rate of 165.84, including one century and seven half-centuries. His bowling has been equally impactful, taking 180 wickets with a best bowling figure of 5/19. Known for his effective spin and explosive batting, Narine has been a crucial asset to KKR’s success in the tournament.

Narine’s impact with the ball is immense, often turning games in KKR’s favor. Moreover, his batting ability as a pinch-hitter adds a unique dimension to KKR’s strategy. Narine’s experience and consistent performance over the years make him irreplaceable, ensuring that KKR retains a balanced and effective bowling attack.

Sunil Narine IPL stats

Batting Career

Matches	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s
176	110	20	1534	109	17.04	925	165.84	1	0	7	164	97

Bowling Career

Matches	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W	10W
176	175	4075	4571	180	5/19	5/19	6.73	25.39	22.64	1	0

Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana has had a notable IPL career with KKR. In 20 matches, he has taken 25 wickets with a best bowling figure of 3/24. His bowling economy stands at 9.05, and he maintains an average of 23.24. With the bat, he has scored just 2 runs in 3 innings, with a highest score of 2, highlighting his primary role as a bowler. Despite limited opportunities with the bat, Rana’s contribution with the ball has been valuable for KKR.

With 25 wickets in just 20 matches, he has proven his ability to take crucial wickets. Retaining Harshit Rana allows KKR to invest in and develop a young talent who could become a mainstay in their bowling attack. His ability to bowl in different phases of the game adds depth to KKR’s pace department.

Harshit Rana IPL stats

Batting Career

Matches	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s
20	3	1	2	2	1.0	3	66.67	0	0	0	0	0

Bowling Career

Matches	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Econ	Avg	SR	5W	10W
20	19	385	581	25	3/24	3/24	9.05	23.24	15.4	0	0

Philip Salt

Philip Salt has made an impressive impact in a short span, with a remarkable strike rate of 175.54. His aggressive style at the top of the order provides KKR with quick starts, which is crucial in T20 cricket. Given his form and the ability to dominate bowling attacks, Salt is seen as a long-term prospect who can consistently contribute to KKR’s success.

In the 2024 IPL season, Philip Salt made a significant impact on KKR. He played 12 matches, scoring 435 runs with a highest score of 89 not out. His batting average was 39.55, and he maintained an impressive strike rate of 182.01. Salt hit 50 fours and 24 sixes, demonstrating his aggressive style at the crease. Additionally, he contributed with 12 catches, showcasing his fielding skills alongside his strong batting performance.

Retaining him over Andre Russell, despite Russell’s past heroics, might be a strategic move to focus on youth and future performance potential. Despite being a match-winner in the past, Russel has struggled with injuries and consistency in recent seasons. While his strike rate and all-around abilities are extraordinary, the decision to retain Salt could be based on his current form, age, and potential longevity in the team.

Philip Salt IPL stats

Batting Career

M	Inn	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	200	50	4s	6s
21	21	2	653	89	34.37	372	175.54	0	0	6	74	34