IPL 2025: 5 Released KKR players who could trigger bidding wars between CSK and DC at mega auction

IPL 2025: 5 Released KKR players who could trigger a bidding war between CSK and DC at auction. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Kolkata Knight Riders have retained six players in the form of Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana and Ramandeep Singh. The franchises has utilised 57 crore out of their allotted 120 crore purse in retaining their key players. They will enter the auction with 63 crore in their kitty. Rinku Singh became the most expensive player as he was retained for 13 crore.

On the other hand, franchises such as Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, who have 65 crore each left as they enter the auction, might try scouting some KKR talents. Though the Kolkata-based franchise has made some bold releases, their core group has remained intact. CSK and DC, who had a miserable outing last season, might aim to rope in some players who were part of the defending champions’ team.

Here are 5 KKR players who could trigger a bidding war between CSK and DC:

5. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz. (Source – Getty Images)

KKR had signed Gurbaz for 50 Lakh ahead of IPL 2024. He sat out for almost all games but played the Qualifier 1 and the Finals as Phil Salt retracted to England for the T20 World Cup 2024. In two games, he scored 62 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 134.78. He played a responsible knock of 39 off 32 laced with five boundaries and two maximums in the finale against SRH, which played a part in KKR’s third title.

Gurbaz has always been vocal about his love for CSK’s legendary MS Dhoni. He has also said that he looked up to the veteran as an inspiration. CSK might want that stability in their batting order if they are looking ahead of Ajinkya Rahane. On the other hand, after Rishabh Pant’s exit, DC are also on the lookout for a full-fledged wicketkeeper-batter, and may opt to go for someone like Gurbaz.

4. Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana. (Source – Getty Images)

Once the captain of KKR, Nitish Rana got to play only two games in IPL 2024. He sustained a finger injury and was not coerced into the squad when he was fit as the team did not wanted to tinker with the winning combination. He played just two games and scored 42 runs, with 33 as his highest score.

Rana was bought by KKR for 8 crore ahead of IPL 2024. He was part of KKR for six long years and also captained the side in the IPL 2023. However, the team ended on seventh position in 2023 edition. DC, who have lost a captain in the form of Pant, can think of Rana as an option. For CSK, he could partner Shivam Dube in the middle order.

3. Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer. (Source – Getty Images)

Venkatesh Iyer was KKR camp’s most celebrated asset since 2021 before he was released ahead of the 2025 edition. He played 14 games in the 2024 season and scored 370 runs at an impressive average of 46.25 and a staggering strike rate of 158.80. Moreover, he scored the winning runs for the Knight Riders in the final, smashing an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls.

Iyer is one such player who can open the innings and can bat in the middle order. This is the kind of flexibility CSK was looking for when they tried to change their batting combination last year. For DC, Iyer can be one of the opener, as they have let out both Jake Fraser-McGurk and Prithvi Shaw ahead of mega auctions.

2. Philip Salt

Phil Salt. (Source – Getty Images)

Phil Salt provided KKR with proper head starts while opening alongside Sunil Narine. Before leaving for national duties ahead of play-offs, he played 12 games and scored 435 runs at an average of 39.55 and an attacking strike rate of 182. His highest score in the previous edition was an unbeaten 89 runs and came against Lucknow Super Giants.

Salt was bought for INR 1.5 crore by the three-time champions ahead of the previous edition. DC, after having let go two of their featured openers and with no David Warner in sight, can think of Salt as a potential choice. On the other hand, Salt will just add to the lethality CSK might be looking for in the powerplay if the owners deem him as the right fit.

1. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer. (Source – Getty Images)

Shreyas Iyer was a surprising release by KKR ahead of mega auction. The fact that a player who lifted the title as a captain, getting released, was not well received by many cricket fanatics. KKR do not have any RTM (Right to Match) card left and this provides other franchise to bid for the former KKR captain, without any hesitancy.

Playing 14 games, he scored 351 runs at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 146.86. The fact that Iyer was part of DC and led the team to the finals in IPL 2020. There is more for DC in this than CSK, they would like to replace an Indian captain with a like-for-like option. Moreover, Iyer will draw extra attention as title-winning captain.