The upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction is set to be a pivotal moment for several franchises looking to bolster their squads for the new season. Among the teams gearing up for potential buys, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are two clubs that will be under significant pressure to make smart acquisitions. With RR’s current retention strategy and KKR’s needs in mind, here’s a look at the key players each team should target at the auction.

Rajasthan Royals: Who Could Return to the Pink Army?

Key Players to Reconsider: Buttler and Chahal

Rajasthan Royals have built a solid squad with the retention of six key players, including captain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shimron Hetmyer. However, they still have INR 41 crore left in their purse, which means they can look to add more firepower to their squad. Among their primary targets should be two former Royals: Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Buttler, the explosive opener, was instrumental in RR’s successful run in previous seasons, winning the Orange Cap in IPL 2022. His aggressive batting style at the top of the order provides the perfect platform for RR’s middle order to capitalize. However, Buttler could stretch RR’s budget, which may complicate a potential reunion.

Chahal, another former Royal, claimed the Purple Cap in 2022 and has been one of the best T20 bowlers globally. His wicket-taking ability and economy rate make him an asset for any franchise, and RR might prioritize bringing him back into the fold.

Affordable Options: Ashwin and Boult

While top-tier players like Buttler and Chahal may be out of reach, Rajasthan could target a couple of experienced campaigners who could still offer great value for money: Trent Boult and R Ashwin.

Boult, at 35, has proven himself as a deadly bowler in the powerplay overs. His ability to strike early in the innings has been a game-changer for RR in the past, and his experience would be invaluable for the team in the upcoming season. Given his age, his price tag may not be as steep as some of the younger, in-demand players, making him an attractive option for RR.

R Ashwin, another stalwart for the Royals, has been an integral part of their squad. As a seasoned all-rounder, Ashwin brings much-needed balance to the side, contributing with both bat and ball. Despite being 37, his experience and strategic bowling make him a key player who could be brought back at a reasonable price.

Potential Bargain: Kuldeep Sen

One player Rajasthan Royals could look to buy back on the cheap is Kuldeep Sen. The 28-year-old pacer made a huge impact in his breakthrough 2022 season, where he picked up eight wickets and earned an India debut. While his form has been inconsistent since then, RR might find an opportunity to snatch him up at a lower cost. Sen’s pace and potential could still add depth to RR’s bowling attack.

Avesh Khan and Prasidh Krishna: Outside Possibilities

Avesh Khan, who has been a standout performer for Lucknow Super Giants, is another bowler RR could target. Avesh was the third most economical death bowler in IPL 2024 and has since earned a recall to the India T20I side. However, Avesh could prove too expensive for RR to pursue, especially with his international recognition.

Similarly, Prasidh Krishna, who has missed the last two IPL seasons due to injury, is back to bowling at full pace. His return to form could make him an ideal candidate for RR, but his likely price could push him out of the Royals’ budget.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Who Could Make A Comeback to the Knights’ Club?

Leading the Charge: Can Nitish Rana Step into the Captaincy Role?

One of the most pressing needs for KKR is filling the leadership void left by Shreyas Iyer’s departure. Although the team has several experienced players, the 30-year-old Nitish Rana stands out as a potential captaincy candidate. Rana took charge in IPL 2023 during Iyer’s injury layoff and displayed strong leadership qualities, guiding KKR with consistent performances. Since 2018, Rana has reliably scored over 300 runs in each season, cementing his place as one of the team’s most dependable players.

However, his role was reduced in 2024, as he batted only twice, leading to speculation about his future with the franchise. Given his experience and previous leadership, KKR could look to bring Rana back into a more prominent role, possibly as captain, if he is available at a favorable price.

Big-Hitting Sensation: Why Phil Salt Should Be KKR’s Top Priority

Phil Salt, who dazzled with a remarkable 435 runs in IPL 2024 at a blistering strike rate of 182.00, is a player who should be at the top of KKR’s wishlist. The hard-hitting Englishman has the ability to turn games around in the powerplay with his aggressive style, making him a valuable asset for any franchise. With several teams likely to target Salt, KKR might need to exercise patience during the early rounds of the auction to ensure they don’t overpay, saving their budget for when his name is called in Set 5.

Salt’s presence could significantly bolster KKR’s batting line-up, providing the team with another explosive opening option or middle-order firepower. His ability to accelerate quickly and accumulate runs could be the key to KKR’s success in the 2025 season.

Youthful Firepower: Angkrish Raghuvanshi Could Be a Steal for KKR

A name that could prove to be a steal for KKR is 20-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who was purchased for INR 20 lakh ahead of IPL 2024. Raghuvanshi’s strike rate of 155.23 in seven innings during the season showcased his immense potential in a team that relied on high-scoring matches. Though still young and inexperienced, Raghuvanshi’s ability to hit boundaries and rotate strike effectively makes him an exciting prospect for KKR to consider buying back.

The fact that KKR was willing to invest in him initially shows their confidence in his ability. If Raghuvanshi can build on his early promise, he could become a key player in the franchise’s future.

Venkatesh Iyer’s Consistency: A Pillar of Strength for KKR’s Middle Order

Venkatesh Iyer has been one of KKR’s most valuable players in recent years. After a lean 2022 season, Iyer bounced back strongly in 2023, scoring an IPL century and solidifying his place in the team. In 2024, he continued his impressive form, hitting four half-centuries and maintaining a strike rate of over 158.

As a top-order batter who can accelerate in the middle overs, Iyer offers flexibility in KKR’s batting lineup. Given his ability to play both anchor and aggressive roles, he is a player KKR should be keen to bring back for IPL 2025. His all-round capabilities could also add depth to KKR’s team balance, especially in high-pressure situations.

Pace and Precision: Vaibhav Arora’s Fast-Bowling Firepower Can Strengthen KKR’s Attack

One of the standout features of KKR’s IPL 2024 success was their formidable pace attack. While KKR retained Harshit Rana, they might need to focus on buying back fast bowler Vaibhav Arora. The 26-year-old delivered crucial performances for KKR in the previous season, notably bowling out Travis Head for a golden duck in the final, one of his 11 wickets for the campaign.

Arora’s pace and ability to bowl in the death overs make him a strong candidate for the team’s pace bowling arsenal. While KKR may not have the budget to bring back Mitchell Starc, Arora could be a more affordable option that still offers solid returns. His consistency and wicket-taking ability will be valuable for KKR’s overall balance and effectiveness with the ball.

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