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The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) retained six players ahead of the mega auction. During the auction, they added 15 more players to their squad. Now, with a total of 21 players, they are preparing to defend their title in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). Last year, they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final to win the tournament for the third time. The squad looks well-balanced, but a few players must perform at their best to ensure KKR's success.
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Here are the 3 key players for KKR in the IPL 2025
1. Sunil Narine
The veteran West Indies star will once again be a key player for Kolkata as they aim to defend their champion title. KKR retained him for ₹12 crore. Last season, he shone with both bat and ball. As an opener, he scored 488 runs in 14 matches, averaging 34.86 with an impressive strike rate of 180.74. His performance included one century and three fifties.
He hit 33 sixes during the season, showcasing his incredible power-hitting, especially in the powerplay overs. With the ball, he claimed 17 wickets in 15 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 6.69. It was his fourth-best season in terms of bowling strike rate (19.41). However, with KKR missing their mentor from last season, Gautam Gambhir, it will be interesting to see if Narine continues as an opener.
2. Venkatesh Iyer
After not being retained by KKR, fans were curious if the team would target Venkatesh Iyer in the mega auction. Not only did they go after him, but they also spent a staggering ₹23.75 crore to secure his services for the next season. The hefty price tag surprised many, but it reflects KKR's faith and belief in him.
Last season, Venkatesh scored 370 runs in 14 innings, averaging 46.25 with an impressive strike rate of 158.80. It was his best season in terms of both average and strike rate. Achieving such numbers in the shortest format highlights his value and justifies the trust KKR placed in him during the auction. With their former captain, Shreyas Iyer, not part of the squad, Venkatesh Iyer emerges as a strong contender to lead KKR in the upcoming season.
3. Andre Russell
When it comes to KKR, two names stand out—Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. The West Indies all-rounder has been an integral part of the franchise for a long time and played a crucial role in securing their third title last season. With the bat, he delivered explosive cameos and provided strong finishes. Russell scored 222 runs in 14 matches, averaging 31.71 with an incredible strike rate of 185.00.
With the ball, he was equally impressive, taking 19 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 15.53. KKR retained Russell for ₹12 crore, reflecting his immense value to the team. This season could also see young Indian star Ramandeep Singh, known for his explosive batting, making an impact. Russell’s experience might prove invaluable in mentoring Ramandeep and helping him refine his skills.
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