IPL 2025 Retention: Kolkata Knight Riders Set to Release Their Highest Earners

As the IPL 2025 retention deadline looms, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are contemplating a significant reshuffle of their squad. Reports indicate that KKR is poised to release several key players from their roster, including some of the highest earners from the IPL 2024 season.

Key Retention Decisions

KKR is expected to retain the following players ahead of the auction next month:

• Sunil Narine
• Rinku Singh
• Varun Chakravarthy
• Harshit Rana (uncapped fast bowler)

Additionally, the franchise may consider retaining Ramandeep Singh, a promising lower-middle-order batter. If KKR retains these players, they will be left with only one right-to-match (RTM) option for a capped player during the auction.

High-Profile Releases

In a surprising move, KKR is likely to part ways with their title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer and star all-rounder Andre Russell. Iyer's departure is reportedly due to salary disagreements, while Russell, despite a successful campaign last season, may not find a spot in KKR's retention strategy. The franchise is considering using the RTM card to potentially reinstate Russell, but his future remains uncertain.

Additionally, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is also expected to be released. Despite being signed for a hefty Rs 24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, Starc's inconsistent performance during the league phase could lead him to seek new opportunities in the upcoming auction.

Impact on KKR’s Financial Strategy

With these changes, KKR is set to release all four of their top earners from IPL 2024, excluding Varun Chakravarthy, who ranked as the joint fourth highest earner. Here’s a summary of KKR’s top earners and their retention status:

The IPL has established specific minimum deductions from the auction purse for each retained player. These deductions range from INR 18 crore for the first player to INR 4 crore for an uncapped player, allowing franchises some flexibility in their financial strategy.

As KKR prepares for the IPL 2025 auction, fans are eager to see how these strategic decisions will shape the team's future and whether the franchise can maintain its competitive edge without its highest earners.