Kolkata : IPL 2025 Mega Auction is set to start on November 24-25 and all the teams are ready for the battles. The IPL 2024 champion Kolkata Knight Riders will eye for a new captain, after they left out their 2024 winning skipper Shreyas Iyer. Although they’ve no RTMs left, they’ll target few players who can act as leaders.
Let’s take a look at 5 potential leaders that Kolkata Knight Riders will target in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction as a leader :
(1) Shreyas Iyer –
Shreyas Iyer joined KKR franchise in 2022. Although, KKR didn’t qualify that season, he came back as captain in IPL 2024 after missing the 2023 season. Not only did Iyer help a struggling KKR over the years to top the table but also guided them to their 3rd IPL trophy after 10 years. KKR franchise will definitely target Iyer in auction table back as their leader despite not having any RTM available. In IPL, Iyer has played 115 matches and scored 3127 runs. He also led Delhi Capitals to their 1st IPL final in 2020 season. Iyer is a handy middle order Batter who is known for his spin playing abilities.
(2) Risabh Pant –
Delhi Capitals wicket keeper Batter and skipper Risabh Pant, whom the franchise left ahead of the auction will be a major target for KKR. Pant has led both India and Delhi Capitals previously , showing great sparks and is seen as future Indian captain. He took over the captaincy role in IPL 2021 and guided his team to playoffs that season. He will be a major captaincy choice for KKR. Pant has played 111 IPL matches and scored 3284 runs. He can play aggressive shorts against any bowler and is a great leader.
(3) Jos Buttler –
Jos Buttler is one of the surprising name that has the fate to go under the hammer after not being retained by Rajasthan Royals despite scoring piles of runs for the team. Buttler is currently England’s White Ball captain, under him England won ICC T20 WC 2022 , and is handy with Bat at top order. The English keeper, although hasn’t captained in IPL, provides complete package with Bat, Gloves and leadership, and thus, will be top choice for KKR. In 107 IPL matches, he scored 3582 runs with 7 tons.
(4) KL Rahul –
KL Rahul is a major captaincy prospect in IPL 2025 for KKR. Lucknow Super Giants released him after his poor form with Bat and leadership previous season. However, he guided the team in 2 consecutive playoffs previously and captained India successfully in many major wins previously. KKR will eye to get this prolific Batter and skipper in their line up. In 132 IPL matches, he scored 4683 runs. He also led Punjab Kings before and is a tremendous opener and middle order Batter with dynamic leadership traits.
(5) Aiden Markram –
Aiden Markram, current South African skipper, who led South Africa to final of T20 WC 2024 , is another target for KKR in this IPL 2025 auction. Markram can hit the Ball hard and provide abled leadership on field. He will be in hunt for KKR as a top order player and skipper. In 44 IPL matches, he scored 995 runs.
