IPL 2025: Top 3 players KKR might release ahead of the mega-auction

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are strictly against the idea of a mega-auction, which is scheduled to take place ahead of the IPL 2025 season. It would mean, that the three-time champions will have to let go majority of their players, including some, who have played a vital part in their triumph in 2024.

Recently, during a meeting with BCCI officials, KKR co-owner Shahrukh Khan was reported to have had a verbal argument with Punjab Kings co-owner, Ness Wadia, who was in favour of the mega-auction. BCCI has listened to all ten parties and a decision regarding the retention and RTM policy is expected to be finalized in the first week of September.

Nevertheless, a mega-auction is very much on the cards, which will force KKR to release some big names. Their mentor Gautam Gambhir, batting and fielding coach Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate respectively have left the team to join the national squad, which has put more pressure on KKR as they have to sort out the think-tank first, before taking a call on the retention. However, who are the three players they will have to let go eventually?

Here are three key players KKR can release ahead of IPL 2025:

3. Mitchell Starc

Australia ace pacer Mitchell Starc is very likely to part ways with Kolkata Knight Riders. He was bought for a whopping INR 24.75 crore in the auction but he failed to live up to his reputation in the league stage. However, in the playoffs, Starc proved his value, helping the Shreyas Iyer-led side beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final to win the coveted trophy.

However, Starc’s high value may force KKR to let him go. Even though the franchise can decide the retention amount, it’s unlikely that the pacer would settle for anything less. More importantly, the franchise would look forward to signing a bigger contract with their star players - Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shreyas Iyer and Rinku Singh and that would force KKR to leave out Starc.

Also Check: Top 3 players MI might release ahead of IPL 2025 auction 

Also, Starc’s participation in the next IPL is a mystery. England will travel to Australia in late 2025 for a five-match Test series and keeping that in mind, the Australia international may opt out of the cash-rich tournament. In that case, KKR will for sure let him go.