There could be huge upheaval for the 2024 IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders. A report in ESPNCricnfo states that captain Shreyas Iyer, their recruitment of Rs 24.75 crore Mitchell Starc and veteran Andre Russell are likely to not be retained . The report also stated that the four remaining players in the team may be Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Unused fast bowler Harshit Rana. Ramandeep Singh, another player who has not played for the national team, is also likely to be retained.
While Iyer was KKR’s most expensive purchase at Rs 12.25 crore in the 2022 mega auction, Russell was retained for Rs 12 crore before the same auction. Iyer was the captain when KKR won the IPL for the third time in 2024.
With their impressive performances last season, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh picked Iyer, Linku Singh, Andre Russell, Phil Salt and Sunil Narine As five players are likely to be retained by the Kolkata side to keep the core group intact.
“KKR have dominated the whole season so it will be difficult for them to leave or retain anyone. But it is a matter of retention so there is a limit to the number you can retain. If I want to see or I have to choose my 6 players, which 6 Players will be there for KKR? I think Shreyas Iyer will be there, Phil Salt will be there, Narine will be there, Andre Andre Russell will be there, Rinku Singh will be there,” Harbhajan told Star Sports.
He then picked the uncapped Ramandeep Singh, who was in the middle order with a batting average of 201.61 and was the sixth and final retainer from the championship-winning side.
“I would definitely like to see Rinku Singh. He should be the fifth player to be retained. If we talk about one more player, who is the last player to be retained? Probably Ramandeep Singh. He is One player who has not played for the national team will be retained.
The auction amount for IPL franchises in 2025 has been set at Rs 120 crore.
With IANS input
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