3 KKR Underdogs Who Could Shock the World in IPL 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2025: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), reigning champions of the Indian Premier League, have assembled a strong squad for IPL 2025 with a dream in the eyes of winning their fourth title of the tournament history and in this article, we name three underrated stars who could lead KKR to IPL glory in 2025.
First, take a look at KKR's Auction Strategy:
KKR's Auction Strategy
Despite a tight budget, KKR entered the IPL 2025 auction with a carefully planned strategy. Retaining six key players from their title-winning squad, KKR prioritized stability while eyeing a few marquee acquisitions.
The most talked-about move was their aggressive bid of ₹23.75 crore for Venkatesh Iyer, a star of their last campaign. Despite fierce competition from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), KKR’s determination to bring back Iyer paid off. His return has sparked excitement, especially with his readiness to potentially take over as captain in place of Shreyas Iyer.
KKR’s Day 1 activity didn’t stop with Venkatesh Iyer. They bolstered their bowling unit by signing South African speedster Anrich Nortje for ₹6.5 crore. Complementing these big-ticket buys, the team smartly secured a mix of emerging and seasoned players, including spinner Mayank Markande, pacer Vaibhav Arora, and young batting prospect Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
These signings highlight KKR’s commitment to building a balanced squad without compromising their long-term vision, even while operating within budget constraints.
Day 2 saw KKR continue their savvy approach, entering the auction with a purse of ₹10.05 crore. Among their notable acquisitions were Quinton de Kock, who was signed for ₹3.60 crore after a bidding war, and versatile all-rounder Moeen Ali, who adds depth and flexibility to the side.
KKR also strengthened their middle order by signing experienced campaigners Manish Pandey and Ajinkya Rahane. While Nitish Rana’s departure left a gap, these additions ensure the team has the experience and composure needed for crunch situations.
Bowling depth was another focus area for the Knight Riders. Spencer Johnson, a promising pacer, was brought in as a backup for Nortje. With young talents like Umran Malik and proven all-rounders such as Sunil Narine and Andre Russell already in the mix, KKR’s bowling attack looks both dynamic and formidable. This blend of fresh energy and seasoned expertise could give the team a significant edge in IPL 2025.
3 Underdog Players to Watch Out for in IPL 2025
1- Ramandeep Singh: Ramandeep Singh, the dynamic cricketer from Chandigarh, is set to be a pivotal player for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025. Renowned for his explosive batting in the middle order, he has the ability to score at a blistering strike rate, making him a nightmare for bowlers in the shortest format.
His skills don’t end with the bat; as a medium-pace bowler, he has a knack for breaking crucial partnerships, adding immense value to KKR’s lineup. Ramandeep's all-around capabilities were on full display during IPL 2024, where he showcased his batting power and earned recognition as a potential match-winner.
Retained by KKR for this season, Ramandeep carries the expectations of fans and management alike. With his ability to deliver under pressure, both with bat and ball, he is poised to be a game-changer for the team.
This season is a golden opportunity for him to solidify his place as one of KKR’s most dependable players and prove his mettle on the grand stage. His performance could very well define KKR’s journey toward defending their title.
2- Vaibhav Arora: Vaibhav Arora, the underrated right-arm pacer, is quietly gearing up to make a big impact for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025. Bought for INR 1.8 crore in the mega auction, Arora may not have the star power of other bowlers, but his ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a hidden gem in KKR’s pace arsenal.
With 19 wickets in 20 matches, he has delivered steady performances, and his standout spell of 3/27 in the 2024 season was pivotal in KKR’s run to the final—proving he thrives when it matters most.
Despite flying under the radar, Arora’s skills make him a potential game-changer. His economy rate of 9.18 hints at areas for growth, but his knack for taking wickets at crucial stages is a quality that KKR will bank on.
Returning to the squad this season, he will have a chance to silence doubters by swinging the ball effectively in the powerplay and nailing yorkers at the death. With limited opportunities so far, IPL 2025 could be the season where this underdog rises to prominence and establishes himself as a core part of KKR’s title defense.
3- Angkrish Raghuvanshi: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, the underrated young talent, joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 3 crore in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, bringing fresh energy and dynamism to their batting lineup. Known for his fearless batting and ability to accelerate during crucial phases, Raghuvanshi offers both stability and explosiveness in the middle order.
His standout performance in IPL 2024, where he smashed a maiden half-century with a blistering 54-run knock at a strike rate of 155.24, highlighted his potential to deliver in high-pressure situations. Despite limited chances, he consistently made an impact, proving that he is more than capable of stepping up when the team needs him.
Beyond his batting, Raghuvanshi’s sharp reflexes and athleticism make him a valuable asset in the field, with four catches in his IPL career so far. Often flying under the radar, his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game could be game-changing for KKR in their title defense. As an underdog with immense potential, Angkrish is poised to rise above expectations in IPL 2025, cementing his place as a key player for the franchise.
Conclusion
Overall, KKR has constructed a well-rounded squad of 21 players, maintaining efficiency in size while blending continuity with innovation. Retaining stars like Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Andre Russell ensures a strong core, while new faces like Iyer, de Kock, and Powell provide fresh impetus.
As the franchise gears up for another championship run, fans can expect an exciting mix of grit, flair, and calculated risk-taking. With a title defense on the horizon, KKR looks poised to shock the cricketing world once again.
