IPL 2025: The Indian Premier League 2024 saw the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) perform to the best of their standards, with some crucial changes to the squad under legendary franchise veteran player turned mentor, Gautam Gambhir.
Gambhir was seen in the IPL as a mentor with the Lucknow Super Giants since their debut in the tournament in 2022, while next he was roped into the KKR side ahead of the 2024 IPL mini-auction. Gambhir took some unconventional calls, like making a huge bid of 24.75 crores INR on World Cup-winning bowler, Mitchell Starc.
After their IPL triumph, Gambhir was approached as a national replacement for Team India’s head coach, replacing the likes of T20 World Cup-winning coach Rahul Dravid. KKR has been in the quest for a new mentor since Gambhir turned team India head coach.
Likely, some reports from the Indian newspaper Telegraph suggest that Royals Director of Cricket, Kumara Sangakara is in talks of being appointed as KKR mentor. Recently, Rahul Dravid was reported to be coming in as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals.
3. Rinku Singh
The Kolkata Knight Riders star Rinku Singh has been a part of the franchise for a long time, as Rinku will also be seen in a role this time around as well. The batter has been a recognised talent even for the Men in Blues and can currently be seen captaining the Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League.
Alongside his aggressive batting and six-hitting capacity in the role of a finisher, Rinku has also evolved to be a bowler with wicket-taking abilities. A seemingly too low a price of 55lakhs, for a player of his calibre is what would add to him being retained.
2. Sunil Narine
Kolkata’s MVP, most-valuable player Sunil Narine will be again retained for sure as he has always been since his debut in 2012 for the franchise. The player’s all-around capacity to bat up the order and make full use of the powerplay, alongside being the most economical spinners in World t20, makes him the best for the role of an all-rounder.
1. Phil Salt
Though KKR will be in dilemma over Andre Russel their marquee player, skipper Shreyas Iyer as well as bowling sensation Harshit Rana, still English opener Phil Salt might be given the upper hand if Sangakara’s preferences are to be trusted.
Phil Salt has performed highly in the IPL 2024, as he scored many runs up the order for Knight Riders alongside Narine. Salt has recently been appointed as the T20I skipper for an injured English skipper Jos Buttler.