IPL 2025: 5 Capped and 1 uncapped player KKR might retain ahead of the mega-auction

3. Andre Russell

Kolkata aren’t parting ways with Andre Russell anytime soon. The West Indies international is a force to reckon with in the shortest format and was one of their biggest match-winners in 2024. Be it with the bat, or with the ball, Russell has proved his worth and for the same reason, KKR will back him, especially because the all-rounder is also part of all of their franchise teams across the world.

In 2024, Russell smashed 222 runs in 15 matches at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 185. With the ball, he picked up 19 wickets, finishing as the fourth-leading wicket-taker. There were doubts regarding his fitness, as he wasn’t getting any younger, but the 36-year-old proved himself and showed that he is still the main guy in the Kolkata team.

Among foreigners, there are other options in the form of Sunil Narine, Phil Salt and Mitchell Starc among others but the city of joy shares a very special relationship with ‘Muscle Russle’, as he is popularly known. He loves to play at Eden Gardens and understands the conditions well, which is another reason why KKR might announce him as their first retention.

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