IPL Auction 2025: KKR's retention list leaked; Shreyas Iyer removed

As Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) prepare for the IPL 2025 mega auction, the defending champions are closing in on finalizing their retention list, and some big decisions are on the horizon with all teams having time only until October 31 to submit the retention players list.

In a bold move to keep their powerhouse intact, Kolkata Knight Riders are all set to retain some big names and young guns, but the biggest twist comes with the stunning possibility that captain Shreyas Iyer could be released from the team despite leading the team to the title after more than a decade.

Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Rinku Singh are safe, but Shreyas Iyer’s retention is in jeopardy

Well, the fan-favorite powerhouses Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and rising sensation Rinku Singh are expected to be retained as their core-capped players, ensuring the heart of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad remains intact for the next edition of the cash-rich T20 league - IPL 2025.

The Kolkata-based franchise has relied heavily on Andre Russell's explosive all-round ability, Sunil Narine's mystery spin in addition to his hard-hitting batting at the top of the batting order, and Rinku Singh's fearless finishing abilities, so their retention won't come as a surprise.

But the drama doesn’t end there, as RevSportz further claimed that the Kolkata Knight Riders is also eyeing the retention of uncapped talents Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh to have an exciting mix of youth and experience for the upcoming IPL 2025.

🚨📰| Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Rinku Singh are expected to be retained as capped players,

🔸While Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh may be retained as uncapped players.

🔸KKR is considering whether to retain Varun Chakaravarthy or use the RTM.#IPL2025
- RevSportz pic.twitter.com/CcpU5R2xKr

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) October 22, 2024

KKR likely to use RTM card for Varun Chakaravarthy for the IPL 2025

However, the biggest suspense surrounds the mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. Actually, the Kolkata Knight Riders are seriously considering whether to take the high-stakes gamble of retaining Varun Chakaravarthy directly or utilize the Right to Match (RTM) card in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.

Notably, only 6 retentions are allowed for every team, including the RTM cards. The Kolkata Knight Riders had acquired the services of Harshit Rana for INR 20.00 lakhs for the last season, but the RevSportz reporter Subhayan Chakraborty claimed that the defending champions may spend more money on Delhi’s young sensation, as he has already become the product for India.

Russell, Narine, Rinku, Varun, Harshit, Raman. KKR. Not done but likely.

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) October 22, 2024

Meanwhile, with the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching fast, the Kolkata Knight Riders is tempted to push their retention limit to the max, which will pose them with the challenge of managing their budget, especially as a whopping INR 75 crore could be allocated for retaining five international stars.

Will emotional bond with Shah Rukh Khan save Shreyas Iyer?

But the real shocker lies in the uncertainty surrounding Shreyas Iyer’s future with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite leading Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title earlier this year, the out-of-favor Indian batter’s spot as a retained player is far from guaranteed.

Speculation is swirling that KKR might let go of their captain, and Nitish Rana is being eyed as a potential replacement to take on the captaincy. However, Aakash Chopra believes that there’s more at play than just numbers and strategy.

The former Indian cricketer and cricket pundit Chopra believes that the KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan’s deep emotional connection with Shreyas Iyer could swing the decision in his favor.