The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction has got its date. All the 10 franchises have retained the required number of players they needed before the big auction. The auction is scheduled to take place on the 24th and 25th of November 2024. It is set to take place outside India for the second time, at the Abadi Al Johar Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Out of the 1,574 candidates, 1,165 are Indian, while 409 are from overseas. These players comprise 320 capped cricketers, with 48 Indian and 272 foreign talents vying for franchises. This talented group includes both known players. Along with budding prodigies looking to create a name for themselves on the IPL stage. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) comes as the reigning champions of the competition.
The Knights have let go of their captain Shreyas Iyer. Have retained Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ramandeep Singh. The team looks to bring back their core members to the auction. With the quality and hard work, they possessed last season, they were the champion for the third time. We dive into the players that KKR can pick in the auction to defend their trophy in the forthcoming season.
Here are the top 5 players KKR can pick at the IPL auction
5. Mohammed Shami
The veteran Indian pacer has been one of the finest bowlers for the Men in Blue. He was the star for India in the ODI World Cup 2023. However, has been out of action for a long time due to an ankle injury. Gujarat Titans have let go of their premium bowler ahead of the auction considering his performance in the T20s.
He won the Purple Cap in the 2023 edition of the IPL after he picked up 28 wickets from 17 matches. But missing out on last season and injury concerns let go of him. The KKR management is likely to spend a huge purse on him in the mega auction in Jeddah. KKR needs an Indian bowler who can bowl with the new ball.
4. Venkatesh Iyer
KKR will look to re-purchase Venkatesh Iyer again. In the IPL 2024, he excelled in the middle order, putting the club in a solid position in numerous games. His batting and all-round abilities might be useful to KKR. The left-handed batter was the backbone of the side in crucial situations and played some brilliant match-winning innings for the side.
Despite KKR releasing ahead of the auction. They will look to buy him back with less money, Iyer is also an effective part-time medium pacer, providing him a viable sixth bowling option. Given his outstanding IPL record, the southpaw is anticipated to generate a lot of attention during the auction.
3. Mitchell Starc
The Kolkata Knight Riders paid INR 24.75 crore for him, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Despite his great performance, he was not kept for the 2025 season and will return to the auction pool. Starc took 17 wickets to help the Kolkata Knight Riders win the title in 2024. Despite a rough start with KKR, the Aussie played an important role in the playoffs.
Mitchell Starc will surely be an option given his experience and performance in crucial matches for the Purple and Gold. He can be bought back at a much lesser price in the auction because his overhyped return did not turn out well for the team. Despite winning two Man of the Match in the Final and Qualifier 1.
2. Rishabh Pant
The Indian wicket-keeper batter has been released by Delhi Capitals. He is known for his fierce batting and power-hitting abilities and could turn out to be a great addition to KKR’s star-studded batting lineup. However, it was a surprise release from the Capitals as he was their captain till the last season and came back and performed well after a huge aftermath.
KKR who has let go of their captain Shreyas can bring in Pant as a replacement. He can be the captain and add more firepower to the middle order with the likes of Russell, Ramandeep, and Rinku. He has also the ability to keep the wickets as well so an Indian wicket-keeping option will also be a positive addition to the side.
1. Mitchell Marsh
Australia’s T20 captain, Mitchell Marsh, is an option at the top order for KKR and they might pursue it in the auction. The all-rounder has yet to fire in the IPL, but a transfer to KKR with veterans like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine may have a significant influence on Marsh’s prospects.
Furthermore, the Australian has done an excellent job as captain of his country, which might be another advantage for the Knight Riders. With him on the squad, the opening option will also be fulfilled as they have let go of Phil Salt and he can be handy with the ball as well.
Do let us know in the comment section who you want KKR to pick in the auction table for the IPL 2025. Also, let us know in the comment section about your favourite KKR player. For more such updates follow sportsdrip.co.
