IPL 2025: 3 Players KKR Might Release Ahead Of Mega-Auction

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) like every other franchise, will have to decide the list of players they want to release.

KKR won their third IPL title in 2024.

Source : PTI

Even though there is still some time for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 to get underway, there is a mega-auction lined up ahead of the season. Before a brand new edition of the cash-rich league, all the ten participating teams will be preparing a list of players they will be retaining and releasing. As far as the reigning IPL champions are concerned, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can release quite a few of their players. 

Here is a look at 3 big players that can be released by the franchise even though they played their part for the team in the past only because of the auction-room dynamics.

1. Philip Salt

KKR, who were led to an IPL title by captain Shreyas Iyer in 2024, can think of releasing Philip Salt. In the IPL, Salt has featured in 2 seasons, playing 21 matches. In these, the right-handed batter has managed to accumulate 653 runs. In the 9 matches of IPL 2023, Salt amassed 218 runs in 2024, he chipped in with 435 runs. With only a limited number of players set to be retained by the teams, Salt could well on the list of players, they could release.

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2. Nitish Rana

Meanwhile, KKR can even think of releasing one of their former captains Nitish Rana. The team is currently paying Rana a salary of Rs 8 crore. The left-handed batter has been part of the team since 2018. Till 2021, the Delhi-cricketer used to get a salary of Rs 3.40 crore but in 2022, his salary was increased. He was retained by the team in 2024. However, he could now be shown the exit door with him having played 2 matches in IPL 2022 and making 42 runs in them.

3. Mitchell Starc

IPL Auction's most expenesive purchase ever, Mitchell Strac was bought by the franchise for a whopping Rs 24.75 Crore. The left-arm speedster had listed himself at a base price of Rs. 2 Crore. In IPL 2024, the Australian cricketer played 14 matches and returned with 17 wickets. However, KKR might want to release him, given that they might have the option of having him back at a lesser price, if he is released in the auction.