KKR made strategic moves in the IPL 2025 auction, re-signing crucial players from their IPL 2024 championship-winning team and making smart acquisitions. The defending champions entered the auction with a clear plan, having already retained the core group of players around which the team would be built.

Their focus was on ensuring a balanced mix of Indian talent, complementing the strong foreign roster they had retained ahead of the auction.

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Given their squad, let’s take a look at the four key foreign players who are likely to feature in KKR’s XI for IPL 2025.

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine was signed by KKR for INR 12 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction and will be one of the first-choice foreign players in the playing XI for the upcoming season. Narine played a crucial role in KKR’s victory in the IPL 2024 championship, winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He made significant contributions with both bat and ball, scoring 488 runs and taking 17 wickets in 15 matches.

Having been a key part of KKR since 2012, Narine has only played for KKR in the IPL. As the defending champions prepare for IPL 2025, they will be counting on Narine to deliver another stellar season and replicate his exceptional performances from the previous season.

Quinton De Kock

Quinton de Kock, released by LSG ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, was acquired by KKR for INR 3.6 crore and will be a key overseas player in the playing XI for the upcoming season. Apart from de Kock, KKR also re-signed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who is expected to serve as the South African goalkeeper’s backup.

In the previous season, Phil Salt played a pivotal role in KKR’s championship-winning campaign. Although they were unable to bring back Salt for IPL 2025, KKR will be hoping that De Kock replicates his outstanding performances and makes a similar impact at the top of the order.

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Andre Russell

Andre Russell, like Sunil Narine, has been an integral part of KKR since 2014. The franchise signed him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction for INR 12 crore, recognizing his crucial role in the IPL 2024 championship victory. Russell contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 222 runs in the lower order and taking 19 wickets in 15 matches.

As one of the key members of the KKR team, the franchise will be counting on Russell to deliver similar performances in IPL 2025. His all-round capabilities make him a vital asset in the team’s quest for another successful season.

Spencer Johnson

Spencer Johnson was acquired by KKR for INR 2.8 crore in the IPL 2025 auction after being released by Gujarat Titans. He made his IPL debut in 2024, playing five matches and taking four wickets. While his IPL stats are not outstanding, his recent form in international cricket, especially in the T20I series against Pakistan where he took 8 wickets in 3 matches, has been impressive. Even though KKR also signed Anrich Nortje, Johnson is likely to be chosen ahead of him.

In the previous season, KKR featured Mitchell Starc, who became a key player despite a slow start and played a key role in the playoffs. While they were unable to secure Starc for IPL 2025, the franchise will look for similar performances from Johnson. With their height and pace, KKR hopes they can take a step forward and perform in the upcoming season.

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