Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged as champions, finishing at the top of the league table with nine victories, three defeats, and two points from washouts.
They defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 and, with Mitchell Starc dominating with the new ball, triumphed in the final to secure their third IPL title.
Table of Contents
Best Likely XII
- Sunil Narine*
- Quinton de Kock* (wk)
- Ajinkya Rahane (capt)
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell*
- Ramandeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Spencer Johnson/Anrich Nortje*
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Vaibhav Arora
* denotes overseas player
Full Squad
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer (vc), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Quinton de Kock (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mayank Markande, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia (wk), Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell, Moeen Ali, Chetan Sakariya, Spencer Johnson
Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2025 Setup: KKR Bank on Stability Amid Ironic Upheaval
Ajinkya Rahane steps in as captain, filling one of the vacancies left by Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Rana. Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock replaces Phil Salt as a high-quality addition. Quinton de Kock has surpassed 500 runs in three IPL seasons, with his teams making the playoffs each time—Mumbai Indians even clinching the title in 2019 and 2020.
However, IPL 2024 was his least productive campaign in a decade, managing just 250 runs in 11 matches for Lucknow Super Giants at a modest average of 22.72. KKR’s overseas reserves appear strong, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz available as a backup opener, while new signings Moeen Ali and Rovman Powell add both power and adaptability.
Spencer Johnson, the left-arm swing bowler from Australia, takes over Starc’s role after debuting in the IPL with Gujarat Titans last season. Anrich Nortje offers a more seasoned option for the overseas fast-bowling slot.
Changes extend beyond the playing XI—Gautam Gambhir’s setup has been dismantled, making way for mentor Dwayne Bravo and assistant coach Ottis Gibson. Rahane reunites with Chandrakant Pandit, his former domestic coach, as they attempt to navigate this transition.
Despite major shifts, KKR remains a formidable force in the death overs, thanks to Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Andre Russell. With Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana carrying their international form into the new season, they have the potential to be just as lethal with the ball.
Losing a title-winning captain immediately after securing the championship is almost unheard of, yet KKR found themselves in precisely that situation. Shreyas Iyer’s departure was a major blow, and the irony of their auction strategy—focused on retaining their 2024-winning core—was evident as they entered the new season without their victorious leader.
The true impact of Iyer’s absence remains to be seen, but KKR placed their biggest bet on another Iyer—acquiring him at a record INR 23.75 crore. However, leadership duties were handed to 36-year-old Ajinkya Rahane, who had just led Mumbai to a domestic T20 triumph while maintaining an explosive strike rate of 166.
KKR paid a steep price for their success, losing not just their captain but also Gambhir, who played a key role in their resurgence after back-to-back seventh-place finishes. His departure triggered an exodus, with Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate also exiting, leaving a leadership vacuum. In response, KKR appointed Ottis Gibson as assistant coach and IPL great Dwayne Bravo as mentor—an outsider compared to Gambhir, whose deep connection with the franchise shaped his brief but impactful tenure.
The timing of these drastic changes could hardly be worse, yet KKR remains a powerhouse. Their spin attack is still one of the best in the tournament, and their lower middle order retains its ability to produce jaw-dropping performances when it matters most. KKR dominated the spin department in IPL 2024 and have kept their formidable unit intact for 2025. Their 38 wickets were the highest by any team—eight more than the next best—while their bowling average of 23.18 was the best by a wide margin. Their economy rate of 7.68 was second only to Chennai Super Kings’ spinners, further highlighting their control and effectiveness.
Watch Out For
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer enters the season as KKR’s most expensive player by over ₹10 crore and also holds the vice-captaincy—a status that comes with its own expectations. How he handles the intense pressure of the IPL will be intriguing to watch. Fortunately, he has the advantage of continuity, having spent his entire IPL career with KKR.
Despite being with the franchise for four years and even notching up a century, a truly defining season has eluded him. Even in 2023, when he reached three figures, he failed to break into the top 15 run-scorers of the tournament. His contributions as an all-rounder have been even slimmer, with just three career IPL wickets, all taken in his debut season in 2021.
Perhaps the most telling statistic lies in his role during the Impact Player era. Over the past two seasons, KKR substituted him out in 11 of the 26 games where they used the rule—meaning he was on the field for barely half the matches. That cannot happen this year. The expectations he must meet aren’t those of a predecessor but of a role KKR have now firmly shaped for him.
Ajinkya Rahane
Can Ajinkya Rahane replicate his stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy form from December? Finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer was a notable achievement, and his striking rate of 164.56 made him stand out.
In IPL 2023, he played a crucial role for Chennai Super Kings, seamlessly linking the openers with the middle order. KKR will be hoping to see that same dynamic version of Rahane this season.
Can West Indian Superstars Deliver Again?
Sunil Narine and Andre Russell enter the tournament struggling for form, having underwhelmed with the bat in the ILT20 earlier this year. Narine’s bowling returns have also been inconsistent, going wicketless in six of his last ten T20 matches, though he managed to keep his economy in check, conceding over 24 runs only four times. Andre Russell shone with the ball last season, claiming 19 wickets in just 29.2 overs at an impressive strike rate of 9.2. However, his form has dipped since IPL 2024—managing only 17 wickets in 66.5 overs at a strike rate of 23.5 in T20s.
With Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora leading the Indian pace attack, Spencer Johnson still lacking experience, and Anrich Nortje making a comeback from injury, Russell will have a significant workload to shoulder this season.
Despite their recent dip, KKR have kept faith in their two veteran match-winners, banking on them to deliver when it matters. But can they continue to rise to the occasion year after year?
Luvnith Sisodia
Karnataka’s wicketkeeper-batter Luvnith Sisodia could be an unconventional choice at the top of the order, potentially freeing up a spot for Moeen or Powell.
KKR have a history of backing promising domestic talents, and Sisodia’s impressive campaign with semi-finalists Gulbarga Mystics in the Maharaja T20 Trophy adds to his credentials.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Not many players walk into their second IPL match, smash 54 off 27, and propel their team to what was then the tournament’s second-highest total. But Raghuvanshi isn’t just any player.
His quiet off-field persona contrasts sharply with the raw power he unleashes at the crease. At just 20, he has nothing to prove, even with a middle-order spot up for grabs, and appears to have the freedom to play with complete aggression.
Concerns
Pace: Fitness and Replacements in KKR’s Attack
A fully-fit Anrich Nortje is capable of clocking high 140s (kph), but he is coming off a back injury and has only just returned to action. Having missed the SA20 and Champions Trophy, his last competitive match dates back to December 2024.
Adding to KKR’s pace woes, Umran Malik has been sidelined with a hip injury, prompting the team to bring in Chetan Sakariya as his replacement.
Fixture Challenges and Key Home Ground Stat
Unlike 2024, when KKR enjoyed a five-match home stretch in late April and early May, their 2025 schedule demands far more travel via Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport.
Although they kick off their campaign at Eden Gardens, they never get more than two consecutive home games throughout the season. This could make it challenging to build momentum and capitalize on crucial moments. Additionally, their last two league fixtures are away in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, meaning KKR will aim to avoid a last-minute scramble for playoff qualification.
Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine have managed what few spinners can—excel at Eden Gardens, even as the Impact Player rule and rising run rates have made the venue more batter-friendly.
At Eden Gardens in IPL:
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy Rate | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narine | 59 | 70 | 19.96 | 6.33 | 18.9 |
| Varun | 15 | 21 | 24.29 | 9.00 | 16.2 |
Once a stronghold for slow, turning pitches in KKR’s golden era, the ground has become less forgiving with flatter tracks. Suyash Sharma’s brief stint is a testament to how challenging it has become. However, Narine and Chakaravarthy have adapted, continuing to thrive despite the dimensions working against them.
Read More: IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals Preview – Squad Analysis of RR And Starting XI
FAQs
Can KKR retain their dominant spin attack from IPL 2024?
Yes, KKR had the best spin attack last season with 38 wickets, and they’ve retained key players like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy for 2025.
How crucial is Andre Russell’s role for KKR this season?
With KKR’s pace attack featuring an injury-returning Anrich Nortje and inexperienced Spencer Johnson, Russell’s bowling contributions will be vital despite his recent dip in form.
Will Venkatesh Iyer finally have a breakthrough IPL season?
Despite being KKR’s vice-captain and most expensive player, Venkatesh is yet to deliver a standout season. With a guaranteed role, 2025 could be his defining year.
Can Ajinkya Rahane replicate his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy form for KKR?
KKR will hope to see Rahane’s aggressive batting from IPL 2023 and his recent domestic form, where he topped the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy run charts.
How challenging is KKR’s IPL 2025 schedule?
Unlike 2024, where KKR had five consecutive home games, this season involves more travel, making momentum-building tougher. Their final league games are away, increasing the pressure.
