 |
|
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), reigning champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), have made their retentions for the upcoming 2025 season, opting for a smaller squad compared to their previous title-winning roster. The team, led by CEO Venky Mysore, has retained six players: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy. Notably, the defending champions have released several key players, including their captain Shreyas Iyer, along with Mitchell Starc, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, and Nitish Rana.
Mysore has highlighted the challenges faced by the team in making these tough decisions, noting the difficulty in narrowing down a large initial list of potential retentions to just six players. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a cohesive squad, especially considering KKR's recent championship victory. Despite the success achieved with their previous roster, the team has opted for a more strategic approach to the upcoming mega auction, prioritizing long-term squad stability and future planning.
The decision to release Iyer, who led the team to victory in IPL 2024, signifies a shift in the franchise's strategy. This move, along with the release of other prominent players, suggests a focus on building a team with a balance of experience and emerging talent. The retained players, like Narine, Russell, and Chakravarthy, bring a wealth of experience and have been integral to KKR's success over the years. Meanwhile, players like Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Harshit Rana represent the newer generation of talent within the team.
KKR's approach to the 2025 season has been further shaped by the appointment of Dwayne Bravo as the new mentor. The former West Indies all-rounder, who retired from international cricket in 2021 and ended his IPL playing career last year, has transitioned into coaching, gaining experience with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Afghanistan team. His role with KKR marks his second coaching position in the IPL. Bravo's experience and leadership will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the franchise as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The release of key players and the strategic approach to retentions signal a new era for KKR. The team, known for its aggressive batting and skilled bowling, will be looking to build a formidable squad for the 2025 season, aiming to defend their title and maintain their dominance in the IPL. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, KKR will be hoping to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, under the guidance of their new mentor Dwayne Bravo.
Source: 'Number of retentions do feel less': IPL defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore