For the defending champions KKR, the job of constructing a winning combination is easy. Having retained six of their core players from their 2024 title-winning team, they already have a good foundation in place. Instead of an overhaul, their job will be to make some minor adjustments and get the right balance.
The side has also retained their players from the previous season, and hence will not make more than three or four changes to their playing eleven. With a settled side and a well-defined game plan, KKR has the upper hand over several teams who are yet to finalize their combinations.
Key Retentions & Squad Depth
KKR’s core strength lies undiminished with the retention of:
Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Besides, the team also has Vaibhav Arora and Venkatesh Iyer, who can be the game-changers.
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Batting Strategy: Strong Top Order & Depth Till The End
KKR’s batting unit is among the league’s strongest, with a mix of aggression and depth. Sunil Narine is expected to reprise his role as an opener, a move that proved highly successful in 2024. His attacking approach can provide quick starts and take advantage of the powerplay.
With Phil Salt not returning, KKR has secured Quinton de Kock as a like-for-like replacement, ensuring they still have a solid overseas wicketkeeper-batter at the top. Rahmanullah Gurbaz remains a backup option.
Middle Order: Strength & Stability
Venkatesh Iyer would most probably fill the No. 3 position. His overall talent and great finish to last season make his huge auction price paid by KKR well worth it.
Ajinkya Rahane, new captain of KKR, is likely to slot into the No. 4 position, a spot left by Shreyas Iyer. Having done that job before at CSK to great success, Rahane can provide stability and maturity to the batting line.
KKR’s Best Finishers
Andre Russell and Rinku Singh are a unique death-over duo, who can turn matches around within a few deliveries. Ramandeep Singh adds more depth to the hitting, making KKR dangerous even in the last overs. The side can also bring in Angkrish Raghuvanshi as an Impact Player to provide more batting buffer when necessary. With batting prowess going up to No. 8, KKR has one of the strongest and most devastating lineups in the IPL.
Bowling Attack: A Balanced & Versatile Unit
KKR’s bowling attack is just as balanced, providing a blend of spin and pace, complemented by the all-rounders. Varun Chakravarthy is still the go-to spinner, heading the attack with his mystery balls. Sunil Narine, apart from his batting contribution, is an invaluable spin-bowling option, adding further depth to the attack.
The pace attack will be led by a pair of Indian quicks Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora. The overseas fast-bowling position will most likely go to Anrich Nortje, whose raw speed can unsettle any batting unit.
All-Round Options: A Wealth of Bowling Depth
With Russell, Venkastesh Iyer, and Ramandeep Singh all being able to bowl, KKR has the luxury of being able to field 26 overs’ worth of bowling options, which will provide variety and flexibility during the match.
KKR Predicted Playing XI
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshit Rana, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy
