Harbhajan Singh Names Key Retentions for KKR as IPL 2025 Approaches

New Delhi, October 29, 2024: With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention deadline approaching, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has predicted that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face a challenging task in deciding which players to retain from their championship-winning squad. Under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, KKR lifted their third IPL title last season with a dominant eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, showcasing an impressive blend of talent and teamwork.

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Speaking to Star Sports, Harbhajan praised KKR’s consistent performance and dominance throughout IPL 2024, emphasizing the difficulty in retaining players from such a successful lineup. “KKR dominated the entire season, so it will be difficult for them to leave or retain anyone. But with limited slots for retention, tough decisions have to be made,” he said. He then shared his top six picks for KKR’s retention list.

“If I have to choose my six players, I think Shreyas Iyer, Phil Salt, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell should definitely be retained,” Harbhajan remarked. “Rinku Singh should be the fifth player. And if we talk about one more player, who could be the last to be retained, it would be Ramandeep Singh. He’s an uncapped player, but he impressed both last season and in domestic cricket, so I think he deserves a place,” he added.

Ramandeep Singh, who had a standout IPL 2024 and has continued his form in domestic tournaments, could be KKR’s strategic choice as an uncapped player with high potential. Harbhajan’s endorsement highlights KKR’s ability to foster emerging talent while relying on seasoned performers.

In related news, KKR recently appointed former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo as the franchise’s new mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir. Bravo, who retired from international cricket in 2021 and concluded his IPL career last year, has since shifted to coaching roles, including a stint as bowling coach for Chennai Super Kings. Bravo’s mentorship role at KKR marks his second coaching position in the IPL and signals a strategic addition to their support staff.

As KKR navigates the IPL 2025 retention process, the franchise appears well-equipped for another successful season, balancing key veteran players with promising talents who could be instrumental in defending their title.