Like all other IPL teams, KKR is gearing up for the mega-auction that is to be carried out in IPL 2025. As they are winners of the third edition of the IPL in the year 2024, some tough choice-making has to be made regarding retention and release of players. In fact, some of the key players also might end up with the boot since there are only a limited number of retention spots and auction dynamics play their role at that time. Three huge names KKR may release before the beginning of the IPL 2025 season.
1. Philip Salt
KKR might also consider releasing Philip Salt. The right-handed batter has had an excellent two seasons for KKR in the IPL, scoring 653 runs in 21 matches. Salt scored 218 runs in IPL 2023 and then followed it up by scoring 435 runs in IPL 2024. However, KKR might release him since they can retain only a few players. The auction strategy of KKR might change, and they may choose to release Salt for re-structuring their set of players.
Philip Salt has been impressive so far, but the dynamics of the auction room might lead KKR to get rid of the player and then hope to re-sign him on a lower purse. KKR will think along those lines, or more aptly, choose to bring in younger players or other key positions where they have been weak.
2. Nitish Rana
Another long-term player and also the former captain of KKR, Nitish Rana, will likely be released before the auction for IPL 2025. He is a left-handed batter who has been a part of the KKR team since 2018 and earned an unbelievable amount of Rs 8 crore. The salary of Rana saw a steep rise in 2022 after his consistent performances on the field for the franchise.
In contrast, during the 2022 IPL season, Rana played only two matches and scored 42 runs. So, KKR might now release him to free up funds for other players, despite retaining him in 2024. He has played important roles for KKR in the past. His recent performance and the financial considerations may send him out of this team also.
3. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is expected to be the third player KKR will release. He was the costliest purchase for KKR in IPL 2024, for which he had gone under the hammer for a never-before-record amount of Rs 24.75 crore. Starc played 14 matches for KKR in the 2024 season and claimed 17 wickets.
Despite his good performance, they might just release Starc before the 2025 auction to bring more financial flexibility to the team. Releasing him could give KKR an opportunity to re-sign him at a lesser price in the auction, therefore enjoying more spending capability in other parts of the squad.
Auction Strategy
While building up for the 2025 IPL mega-auction, their strategy will focus more on balancing the financial constraint with the necessity to keep those match-winners who have been there for a long time. Players like Philip Salt, Nitish Rana, and Mitchell Starc have been contributors to their team’s success for quite some time. So from the side of the auction dynamics and the requirement of fresh talent, some surprising releases might happen.
The mega-auction for IPL 2025 will be the defining period for KKR, as they shall strive to forge a team that can win for them in the 2024 championship. The decisions taken during this point in time will determine their strength and, therefore, probably the outlook of the season.
