KKR Squad IPL 2025: Complete list of players bought & retained by Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are aiming for a fourth IPL title in 2025, determined to build on their legacy. As the defending champions, the franchise is focused on assembling a well-rounded squad under strong leadership. Having retained key players, KKR is now eyeing exciting new talent in the auction. With a passionate fanbase and a history of thrilling comebacks, the team is plotting to outshine its rivals and reclaim the trophy for Kolkata.

In IPL 2024, KKR clinched their third title with an 8-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. However, Iyer, who led the team in the 17th season, has not been retained for 2025.

The team focussed on buying back their players from the previous year.


The franchise bought Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali and Manish Pandey to complete their batting department.

Among bowlers, they bought Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Ankul Roy, Umran Malik and Spencer Johnson.

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Here is the complete list of players bought by KKR:

1. Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 23.75 cr)
2. Quinton de Kock (Rs. 3.60 cr)
3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Rs 2 cr)
4. Anrich Nortje (Rs 6.5 cr)
5. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Rs 3 cr)
6. Vaibhav Arora (Rs 1.8 cr)
7. Mayank Markande (Rs 30 lakh)
8. Ajinkya Rahane (Rs 1.5 cr)
9. Manish Pandey (Rs 75 lk)
10. Luvnith Sisodia ( Rs 30 lk)
11. Anukul Roy (Rs 40 lk)
12. Rovman Powell (Rs 1.5 cr)
13. Moeen Ali (Rs 2 cr)
14. Umran Malik (Rs 75 lk)
15. Spencer Johnson (Rs 2.8 cr)

Retained players:

Having retained six players from that squad, KKR head into the auction with no RTM cards available and a remaining purse of Rs 51 crore. KKR have retained six players for Rs 69 crore.

IPL 2025 Auction: Check the complete list of sold players on Day 1

Rising star Rinku Singh has been retained for a hefty sum of Rs 13 crore, while Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell were retained for Rs 12 crore each. Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh were signed under the uncapped player category for Rs 4 crore each.

Narine delivered a standout performance in IPL 2024, excelling with both bat and ball to play a key role in KKR's title-winning campaign. The Caribbean all-rounder amassed 488 runs at a blistering strike rate of 180.74 in 14 matches and claimed 17 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.69.

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Russell showcased his all-round brilliance, scoring 222 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 185.00 and picking up 19 wickets despite an economy rate of 10.05 in 14 matches.

Indian batter Rinku contributed 168 runs at a strike rate of 148.67 in 15 games, while all-rounder Ramandeep struck 125 runs at an incredible strike rate of 201.61 in as many matches.

Seamer Rana was a vital cog in KKR's bowling unit, taking 19 wickets at an economy rate of 9.08 across 13 matches. Mystery spinner Varun spearheaded the KKR attack, bagging 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8.04 in 14 matches, further solidifying his reputation as a match-winner.