The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head into the 2025 IPL season as defending champions, fresh off their triumphant 2024 campaign where they clinched their third title under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. However, with significant changes in leadership and a refreshed squad, KKR are poised to defend their crown with a mix of seasoned stars, dynamic all-rounders, and emerging talents. Let’s dive into the KKR squad for IPL 2025, their strengths, potential challenges, and what fans can expect from the Purple and Gold this year.
KKR Squad for IPL 2025
KKR entered the IPL 2025 mega auction with a clear strategy: retain the core of their championship-winning team while adding depth and versatility. Here’s the full squad:
Retained Players
| Player Name | Price (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|
| Rinku Singh | 13 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | 12 |
| Sunil Narine | 12 |
| Andre Russell | 12 |
| Harshit Rana | 4 |
| Ramandeep Singh | 4 |
Auction Buys
| Player Name | Price (₹ Crore) |
| Venkatesh Iyer | 23.75 |
| Quinton de Kock | 3.6 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 2 |
| Anrich Nortje | 6.5 |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | 3 |
| Vaibhav Arora | 1.8 |
| Mayank Markande | 0.30 |
| Rovman Powell | 1.5 |
| Manish Pandey | 0.75 |
| Spencer Johnson | 2.8 |
| Luvnith Sisodia | 0.30 |
| Ajinkya Rahane | 1.5 |
| Anukul Roy | 0.40 |
| Moeen Ali | 2 |
| Umran Malik | 0.75 |
| Chetan Sakariya (replacement for Umran Malik) | 0.75 |
Purse Remaining: ₹0.05 crore
Total Players: 21 (13 Indian, 8 Overseas)
Leadership Transition
One of the biggest talking points for KKR in 2025 is the change in leadership. Shreyas Iyer, who led the team to glory in 2024, was not retained and has moved on, leaving a void at the top. Stepping into the captaincy role is veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane, with Venkatesh Iyer named vice-captain. Rahane, a seasoned campaigner with over 4,600 IPL runs, brings stability and tactical acumen, honed during his successful stint with Chennai Super Kings. Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer, acquired for a whopping ₹23.75 crore, is seen as a long-term leadership prospect and a cornerstone of the batting lineup.
Strengths of the KKR Squad
- World-Class Spin Attack: KKR’s spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy remains their biggest asset. The addition of Moeen Ali and Mayank Markande further bolsters their spin options.
- Explosive Middle Order: With Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Venkatesh Iyer, KKR has one of the most dangerous middle orders in IPL 2025.
- Pace Bowling Depth: KKR has a potent pace attack with Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and Spencer Johnson.
- Top-Order Firepower: The likes of Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz provide aggressive starts at the top.
Potential Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Leadership Adjustment | Rahane’s relatively conservative T20 approach might contrast with KKR’s traditionally aggressive style. |
| Aging Stars | Veterans like Narine (36), Russell (36), and de Kock (32) need careful workload management. |
| Nortje’s Fitness | His injury history raises concerns about KKR’s pace attack depth. |
| Top-Order Consistency | Replacing Phil Salt’s explosive starts from 2024 will be a challenge for de Kock and Gurbaz. |
Predicted Playing XI
| Player Name | Role |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper |
| Quinton de Kock | Opener |
| Venkatesh Iyer | Vice Captain |
| Ajinkya Rahane | Captain |
| Rinku Singh | Batsman |
| Andre Russell | All-Rounder |
| Moeen Ali | All-Rounder |
| Sunil Narine | All-Rounder |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Bowler |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler |
| Anrich Nortje | Bowler |
12th Man: Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Vaibhav Arora (depending on conditions)
What to Expect in IPL 2025
KKR enter the season with a balanced squad that blends youth and experience, power and finesse. Their bowling attack, led by Narine and Chakravarthy, remains the envy of the league, while the batting lineup has enough firepower to dominate matches.
As defending champions, KKR will have a target on their backs, but their passionate fanbase—the Knights Army—will be roaring them on at Eden Gardens and beyond. With a rich legacy of three IPL titles (2012, 2014, and 2024), the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise will aim to add a fourth in 2025 and cement their status as one of the IPL’s most successful teams.
Can KKR go back-to-back? The pieces are in place, and the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in their storied journey. Let the Purple reign continue – Diara Bhumi News
