IPL 2025 retention players list and RTM strategies for KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders played an amazing season in 2024 to claim their third title. Gautam Gambhir’s only season as the mentor of the side yielded huge results for the team. The likes of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell performed well as they ended their decade long wait for the IPL title. 

Dwayne Bravo has joined Kolkata as the new mentor of the side. Chandrakant Pandit and the former West Indian star will have a huge task on their hands. With the new retention rules being revealed there is a lot in the plate for KKR’s management. 

With Gautam Gambhir leaving along with Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate, the coming IPL 2025 auctions will be huge. Shreyas Iyer led side will head into the IPL 2025 Auction looking to sign new players in a bid to retain their title. 

Here are the likely retentions and RTM card that can be used by KKR 

1- Shreyas Iyer 

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer could be one of the top retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 auctions. The right-handed batter was lauded for his leadership skills during the IPL 2024 season. His effective leadership skills saw KKR dominate the season and make light work of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the finals. With Shreyas Iyer now out of the Indian side, the next season of IPL will hold the key for the Mumbai-based batter. 

2- Rinku Singh 

It has been a tough year for Rinku Singh as the left-handed batter has suffered massive setbacks. Rinku Singh started the year with a bang but saw his form suffer during the IPL 2024 season. Bad performances meant that he wasn’t picked in the original squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. With the class and talent he has it will not be a surprise if KKR retain Rinku Singh ahead of the IPL 2025 auctions. 

3 – Sunil Narine 

Veteran West Indian star Sunil Narine played a crucial role with the bat and ball during IPL 2024 title win for KKR. While Narine has always been a dangerous bowler it was his batting that did the trick for his team. Promoted to open the batting once again, Narine even scored a century in perhaps his best season with the bat in IPL. Kolkata will look to hold on to their asset as they aim to win their 4th title in 2025. 

4- Harshit Rana 

Delhi pace bowler Harshit Rana impressed everybody with his speed and hostility. The right-arm seamer was one of the key reasons why KKR won the title in 2024. Harshit Rana is expected to be capped much before the IPL Auctions take place. The young pacer is a huge player for the future and this will not be lost on Shreyas Iyer or the KKR team management. 

5- Venkatesh Iyer 

All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was brutal with the bat for KKR during the IPL 2024 season. The left-handed batter scored 370 runs with 4 fifties with a strike rate of 158 which is his personal best in the IPL. Venkatesh Iyer is a key player for Kolkata not just with the bat but also with the ball. His ability to bowl medium pace will come in handy on some of the tired surfaces in April and May. 

Right to Match card – Ramandeep Singh 

After being released by Mumbai Indians, young Ramandeep Singh was a key player for KKR in 2024. The 27-year-old played 15 games and batted lower down the order and scored 125 runs with the bat. His strike rate of 201 was one of the best in the league. Ramandeep Singh isn’t just a dangerous lower-order batter but also an electric fielder and a capable medium pacer.