IPL 2018: Net spent on player retention by KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders, the two-time IPL winner, decided to retain a total of two players in the auction. The two players to be retained were Sunil Narine and Andre Russel.

There was no surprise in Narine’s retention as he provides an all-round option. He was the first preference for the franchise.

The second one on the list was Andre Russel, who is yet to make a comeback after being banned. He missed the previous season due to the same reason and was replaced by Colin de Grandhomme later.

Unsurprisingly, the franchise did not retain Gautam Gambhir. Reports had already suggested that the franchise might not retain him. However, they always have an option to use the RTM card on their former skipper, at present.

KKR now have Rs 59 Crore and three RTM cards in the bank before going into the auction. Apart from Gambhir, Chris Lynn and Kuldeep Yadav will be the two players on whom the franchise will look to use RTM card.