In what could be a shocker for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans, the management are unlikely to retain their star all-rounder, Andre Russell ahead of the IPL Retention deadline. As understood from a report in RevSportz, KKR have zeroed in on Sunil Narina, Rinku Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy as their top three retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. IPL 2025 Retentions: Lucknow Super Giants Set to Retain Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni Ahead of Mega Auction, Says Report.

The report further suggests that KKR in the uncapped category will retain pacer Harshit Rana, who starred for the franchise during IPL 2024. Interestingly, ambiguity remains over whether KKR will retain their IPL-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, with talks between both still underway.

Russell has been the backbone of KKR for the past decade and has often helped the franchise come out of a deep ditch. Russell was KKR's most valued player in the IPL 2024 edition, scoring 222 runs and claiming 19 wickets.  IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Know Date, Rules, Live Streaming Details and All You Need To Know About Player Retentions Ahead of Indian Premier League Mega Auction.

KKR have a problem of plenty on their plate, given the plethora of stars and performers, they have in their IPL 2024 title-winning squad. Former captain Nitish Rana has openly spoken about not being contacted by KKR management for any retention talks, suggesting that the player will head into the mega auction. 

The deadline for IPL Retentions is October 31. Franchises have to give their list to BCCI or IPL Governing Council by 05:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2024 07:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).