India left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could be seen playing for a different team in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Kolkata Knight Riders are reportedly keeping an eye on Arshdeep and might bid for him in the upcoming auction.
Arshdeep Singh was not included by Punjab Kings in their retention list for IPL 2025. The fast bowler was Punjab’s highest wicket-taker last season with 19 wickets in 14 matches.
Over the years, Arshdeep has been a key part of the Punjab Kings set-up. While he has been released by the franchise, Punjab Kings have a chance to retain Arshdeep through the Right to Match (RTM) option and are likely to use this option.
Also read: IPL 2025 auction: Yuzvendra Chahal’s next destination assured
Kolkata Knight Riders eyes Arshdeep Singh
Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are looking for a fast bowler who can bowl with the new ball and also at the death. Arshdeep offers that option for the franchise and being an Indian, he can fetch a big price in the auction.
According to reports, KKR is likely to target Arshdeep Singh with all its might. The left-arm quick also recently deleted all his Instagram posts related to Punjab Kings.
The decision to delete all Instagram posts has sparked rumors that he could play for a different franchise starting next season.. While nothing is guaranteed in the auction, KKR will go all out to acquire the services of Arshdeep Singh.
If KKR signs Arshdeep, the left-arm quick is also expected to lead the team’s bowling attack. He has been playing IPL and international cricket for a while now and previously also has the experience of leading Punjab’s bowling attack.
Punjab Kings decided to retain only two uncapped players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction – Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. The franchise has the highest remaining purse among all teams with a total of INR 110.5 crore.
It means it won’t be easy for KKR to buy Arshdeep as Punjab has the money to buy back their leading bowling attack. This It remains to be seen what strategy the Kings will adopt under new head coach Ricky Ponting..
Arshdeep Singh’s numbers in IPL
Arshdeep Singh has played 65 matches in his IPL career and picked up 76 wickets at an average of 27 and an economy rate of 9.03. The left-arm spinner is a genuine wicket-taker with the new ball and an excellent component in the death overs.
Arshdeep also played a key role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup title win just a few months ago with 17 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 12..64 and an economic rate of 7.16. He finished as the highest wicket-taker of the season.
KKR targeting player at the top
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders are also looking for a player like Jos Buttler at the top to open the batting. They had Phil Salt and Sunil Narine as openers in IPL 2024 and both played a key role in the team’s title win.