IPL 2025: KKR to Keep Core Players While Parting Ways with Russell and Iyer

As the defending champions for IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders are preparing for the upcoming season with the closing of the retention window. The management has chosen to retain its core players, including Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana. However, the team has opted to release Andre Russell, while discussions about retaining Shreyas Iyer are still ongoing.

Andre Russell, who has played for Kolkata Knight Riders for nearly ten years, may be released by the franchise. Since joining KKR in 2014, he has become one of the most celebrated all-rounders in IPL history. Despite his significant contributions, including scoring 222 runs and taking 19 wickets during KKR’s successful IPL 2024 campaign, reports suggest that the three-time champions are considering letting him go.

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, is currently in discussions with the team management regarding his future. While KKR is keen on keeping him, Iyer is attracting interest from other franchises who are willing to offer him more. His exceptional leadership helped end KKR’s decade-long wait for an IPL title, earning him widespread acclaim. However, the franchise might choose not to retain him despite his successes.

As teams prepare to establish their core for the IPL 2025 Auction, fans can expect an exciting process ahead. Notable players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer may return to the auction pool, where their futures for the upcoming season will be determined, adding an element of suspense and anticipation to the event.