KKR might also make a few shocking retentions and keep a few players who look set to be released by the franchise.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third title in the 2024 season, the first in ten years. They had a well-rounded team and played like a well-oiled machine, with each player nailing their role perfectly.
Ahead of the next season, they will have to make a few tough decisions and leave out several quality players in order to prepare for the next edition. However, they might also make a few shocking retentions and keep a few players who look set to be released by the franchise.
We look at three shock retentions KKR might make ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt was among the biggest reasons behind KKR’s winning campaign in the last season, scoring 435 runs at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 182 in 12 innings, including four fifties. Despite performing so well, KKR are expected to release him, for they have a problem of plenty.
However, Salt is an aggressor at the top and keeps the wickets while also having experience playing in the league. Given his contributions, he will press a case and can be a long-term investment for the franchise.
Also Read: Three shock retentions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) might make ahead of the IPL 2025 auction
Venkatesh Iyer
Another player who played a key role in KKR’s winning campaign, Venkatesh Iyer is another player KKR can look to retain ahead of other big names. He was among the most consistent KKR batters in the competition and played crucial roles by playing timely knocks.
He is a solid middle-order batter and can also chip in with the ball while is a proven performer, making him a complete package. Given that he brings consistency and the LHB factor to the table, Venkatesh can be an option to retain, especially after his performances last season.
Suyash Sharma
Suyash Sharma is a skilled leg-spinner but didn’t get too many chances last season. However, KKR can look to retain him as an uncapped player because retaining Varun Chakravarthy won’t be easy among so many star players.
Hence, they can keep Suyash and get a long-term investment for years to come at just INR 4 crores. Barring Ramandeep Singh, KKR will have to make a decision between Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Suyash, and they can opt for the latter.
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