Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to undergo a significant roster overhaul ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise is unlikely to retain their title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer and star all-rounder Andre Russell.Instead, KKR is expected to retain four players: Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and uncapped fast bowler Harshit Rana. Mitchell Starc, who was acquired for a record INR 24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, is also unlikely to be retained.The possibility exists that KKR may retain a second uncapped player in Ramandeep Singh, an explosive lower-middle order batter. However, this would leave them with only one right-to-match option at the auction, which could limit their ability to reacquire Iyer, Russell, or Starc.The deadline for franchises to submit their list of retained players is October 31. Teams are allowed to retain up to six players, with a maximum of five capped internationals and two uncapped players. While the IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each retained player, franchises are free to pay more or less than those amounts.KKR's decision to release Iyer and Russell marks a significant shift in their strategy. Iyer led the team to the IPL title in 2024, while Russell has been a key contributor since joining the franchise in 2014.Among the players retained, Narine, Rinku, and Varun have all played vital roles for KKR in recent seasons. Narine, the Most Valuable Player in 2024, provides explosiveness at the top of the order and is a wicket-taking threat. Varun has been the team's most successful bowler in the last two seasons, while Rinku has emerged as a promising young batter.Rana is a rising fast bowler who is part of India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. Ramandeep's performances in the IPL and domestic cricket earned him a spot in India's squad for the recent Emerging Players Asia Cup.

With the IPL 2025 mega auction retention deadline approaching on October 31, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are facing a dilemma regarding the retention of their title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer. Sources have revealed that Iyer's retention status is uncertain, with other players emerging as strong contenders for retention.Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, the West Indies duo, have been instrumental in KKR's success as all-rounders. Narine's spin bowling and Russell's power-hitting have been crucial for the team. Middle-order batter Rinku Singh, who has been with KKR since 2018, has proven to be a valuable find as a finisher.Wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been a key figure in KKR's spin attack, picking up 21 wickets in IPL 2024 with an impressive economy rate of 8.04. His performances have earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20Is against Bangladesh and South Africa.Uncapped fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana has also impressed in recent seasons, picking up 19 wickets in IPL 2024. His recent call-up to the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series further enhances his value.While Iyer led KKR to their third IPL title in 2024, scoring 351 runs in 14 innings, his retention status is in doubt. If he enters the mega auction pool, franchises in need of a captain will have the opportunity to acquire his services.KKR's retention dilemma stems from the abundance of talent within their squad. Apart from the six players mentioned above, they also have Mitchell Starc, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, and Ramandeep Singh, who has been called up to the Indian team for the T20Is against South Africa.Under IPL retention rules, each team can retain a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped players. KKR will have to make tough decisions to finalize their retention list, balancing the need for experience and potential.

Shreyas Iyer's Surprising Bowling Debut in Buchi Babu Tournament Draws Comparisons to Sunil NarineIndian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has surprised fans and spectators alike with his bowling action during the ongoing Buchi Babu Tournament. In a match between TNCA XI and Mumbai, Mumbai captain Sarfaraz Khan handed the ball to Iyer in the 90th over of TNCA's innings.Iyer's bowling action drew immediate comparisons to his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Sunil Narine. Like Narine, Iyer gripped the ball behind his back and approached the bowling crease with a unique, mystery spin action.While Iyer's attempt at emulating Narine's bowling style did not yield any wickets, it captivated the audience. His unique action, reminiscent of his IPL teammate, instantly caught the eye of many fans, who were treated to an unexpected spectacle.The Buchi Babu Tournament 2024 holds significance for Iyer and his Mumbai teammate, Suryakumar Yadav, as they eye a potential Test comeback for Team India. Their performances in this tournament could potentially influence the selectors' decisions and open doors for their return to the Indian Test team.Iyer's bowling debut, though brief and wicketless, has added an unexpected twist to the Buchi Babu Tournament. It remains to be seen whether he will continue to experiment with his bowling in future matches, but his unique action has certainly left a lasting impression on fans and spectators alike.

The International League T20 (ILT20) has announced the retention list for its third season, with 69 players being retained by their respective franchises. Defending champions MI Emirates have retained a strong core, including captain Nicholas Pooran, Dwayne Bravo, Akeal Hosein, Kieron Pollard, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have retained 11 players, including captain Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. David Willey, Charith Asalanka, Ali Khan, and Andries Gous are among the other notable retentions.Desert Vipers have retained a formidable squad, with Wanindu Hasaranga, Alex Hales, Azam Khan, and Mohammad Amir all being retained. However, fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Matheesha Pathirana are notable absentees.Dubai Capitals have retained captain David Warner, along with Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, and Jake Fraser-McGurk. England's Joe Root and Mark Wood have been left out.Gulf Giants have retained Shimron Hetmyer, captain James Vince, and USA's Saurabh Netravalkar. Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rehman has not been retained.Sharjah Warriors have retained eight players, including captain Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Kusal Mendis, and Johnson Charles.Each franchise has also retained two UAE players each, with no limit on international player retention. Teams can now sign new players in the ongoing player acquisition window, which will remain open until September 15.The third season of the ILT20 is scheduled to be played from January 11 to February 9, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has hailed star all-rounder Sunil Narine as the franchise's "MVP" after their Indian Premier League (IPL) triumph. Narine was named the 'Most Valuable Player' of IPL 2024, leading KKR to victory over SunRisers Hyderabad in the final.Gambhir, who captained KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, has witnessed Narine's transformation firsthand. He recalled Narine's shy demeanor when he first joined the team in 2012, but praised his growth both on and off the field."Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions," Gambhir said. "He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me."Gambhir emphasized Narine's unwavering commitment to KKR, despite his global success. "He was KKR's MVP even before the season got underway," Gambhir said. "The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder, and I'm sure that Narine still has plenty to give to KKR and world cricket."Narine's impact on KKR's success cannot be overstated. In IPL 2024, he scored 488 runs and picked up 17 wickets, showcasing his versatility as a batsman and bowler. His ability to bowl economical spells and strike with the bat has made him an indispensable asset for the franchise.Gambhir's praise for Narine is a testament to the all-rounder's exceptional talent and dedication. As KKR looks to build on their IPL triumph, Narine will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their future success.

Nitish Rana's heartfelt tribute to Gautam Gambhir on Instagram following Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) historic IPL 2024 triumph has shed light on the profound impact Gambhir has had on the franchise's resurgence.Gambhir, who captained KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, returned to the dugout as a mentor ahead of the 2024 season. His influence has been undeniable, with Rana crediting him for the team's success."In this era of Mamba Mentality, we're soon all going to embrace the GG Mentality too," Rana wrote on Instagram, referring to Gambhir's initials.Rana shared a screenshot of a conversation with Gambhir from November 2023, where Gambhir expressed his desire to "create something special" in the upcoming season.KKR's dominance in IPL 2024 was evident in their impressive Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.428, the highest in IPL history. They capped off their campaign with a resounding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final, bowling them out for a mere 113 and chasing down the target with ease.Gambhir's influence extended beyond Rana. Sunil Narine acknowledged his role in convincing him to open the batting again, a move that proved pivotal for KKR's success.Even owner Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude to Gambhir during KKR's post-final celebrations. "My special thanks to GG," Khan said. "I just have one request... we have to make GG dance tonight."Gambhir's return to KKR has sparked speculation about his potential as India's next men's head coach. While the BCCI has yet to announce its shortlist of candidates, Gambhir's success with KKR has undoubtedly strengthened his credentials.

Gautam Gambhir's return to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has proven to be a catalyst for the team's resurgence, leading them to their third IPL title in 2023. Beyond his tactical acumen, Gambhir's mentorship and unwavering belief in his players have played a pivotal role in KKR's success.Gambhir's connection with KKR runs deep, having captained the team to two previous titles in 2012 and 2014. His return in 2023, after a brief stint with Lucknow Super Giants, was met with both excitement and anticipation.Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR has undergone a transformation. He has instilled a positive and confident atmosphere in the dressing room, empowering players to perform at their best. One of his key decisions was to promote Sunil Narine as an opener, a move that has paid dividends. Narine's explosive batting has provided KKR with a solid foundation in the powerplay.Gambhir's unwavering support has also been instrumental in Mitchell Starc's resurgence. Despite initial struggles, Gambhir backed the Australian pacer, recognizing his potential. Starc's match-winning performance in the knockout stages, including a crucial wicket in the final, vindicated Gambhir's faith.Beyond his tactical prowess, Gambhir's mentorship has extended to young players like Nitish Rana. Rana credits Gambhir for his positive influence and the team's improved body language.Gambhir's return to KKR has not only brought success but has also rekindled his emotional connection with the franchise. His passion and dedication have inspired the team and the city of Kolkata.

Sunil Narine's remarkable transformation from a part-time batsman to a consistent top-order performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been the talk of the tournament. The West Indian all-rounder's stellar contributions played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumphant campaign, helping them secure their third IPL title.At the start of the season, many were skeptical about KKR's decision to open with Narine, given his inconsistent batting performances in recent years. However, by the end of the tournament, Narine had not only silenced his critics but also won the prestigious MVP (Most Valuable Player) award for his all-round contributions.Reflecting on Narine's transformation, former England captain Kevin Pietersen, who was initially critical of the move, said, "It is amazing, it really is amazing what he did, because I was one of the most vocal critics at the start of the tournament, saying I didn't like Sunil Narine at the top of the order due to his inconsistency."Narine's performance this season was a testament to his adaptability and skill. He scored 488 runs at a strike rate of 180.84 and took 17 wickets, showcasing his prowess both as a batsman and a bowler. KKR's mentor, Gautam Gambhir, played a crucial role in bringing Narine back as an opener, a decision that paid rich dividends.Pietersen acknowledged Narine's significant improvement this season. "This season, especially over the last couple of months, he has been consistent," Pietersen continued. "He's thought like a batter, batted like a batter, and got the runs of a batter. He has averaged more than many batters and his strike rate has been phenomenal. He's played both sides of the wicket exceptionally well. And, of course, we don't need to say much about his bowling — he is an out-and-out superstar. His ability to change his action and still produce such impressive numbers is quite something. He is the heart and soul of this outfit, isn't he?"Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden also weighed in on Narine's performance and Pietersen's admission. "All I heard from Kevin Pietersen in summary was that I was wrong about Sunil Narine," Hayden said. "We have to call it as we see it. It's as simple as that, but what you'll see about Kevin and all of us, is that when we're wrong, we love to see players prove themselves right. Absolutely. And that's exactly what Sunil Narine's done this IPL. He's been amazing."Narine's resurgence as a top-order batsman and his consistent bowling performances were critical in KKR's journey to lift the IPL 2024 trophy. His all-round contributions have cemented his status as one of the most valuable players in the IPL and a true game-changer for his team.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the IPL 2024, claiming their third title with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. The triumph marked a remarkable turnaround for KKR, who had endured a decade-long trophy drought.The team's success was largely attributed to their bowling prowess, as they restricted SRH to a mere 113 runs. Sunil Narine, the in-form all-rounder, played a pivotal role, opening the batting and contributing with both bat and ball.KKR's mentor, Gautam Gambhir, who had returned to the franchise with the aim of ending their title drought, was overjoyed with the victory. He had previously expressed his desire to lift the trophy with the team, and his words proved prophetic.Nitish Rana, who played a crucial role in the chase, revealed that Gambhir had sent him a message expressing his belief in the team's potential. "I want to share one short story that when GG bhaiya was named the mentor, I sent him a long message as I was really happy. But he replied saying, 'Thank you but I would be happy if we stand at the podium with the trophy in our hands.' Today is that day and I will never forget that message," Rana said.Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who joined the team at the behest of leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, was equally ecstatic. "It means everything. I started playing IPL in the first season and it has taken me 16 years for the first title after two finals. I am really happy for the boys. I cannot express how happy I am," Nayar said.Venkatesh Iyer, who top-scored in the chase with an unbeaten 52, praised Nayar's contributions. "Really happy with it. As Varun mentioned, Abhishek Nayar deserves all the credit in the world," Iyer said.Andre Russell, who had faced criticism in the previous season, proved to be a vital cog in KKR's triumph. "No words to describe. It means so much. I am happy that all of us were very disciplined and worked towards one goal. This franchise has done a lot for me. It's a big gift from all of us to them," Russell said.Rinku Singh, who had been with KKR for seven years, was overjoyed to finally lift the trophy. "Outstanding feeling right now. My dream of seven years is complete. Finally I will lift the trophy. I am proud of my whole team and GG sir. It was God's plan," Singh said.Pacer Vaibhav Arora, who impressed alongside Harshit Rana, was happy to contribute to the team's success. "My role is to take wickets with the new ball. After that the spinners were doing their jobs. So today also the aim was to take wickets in the powerplay, which happened as well," Arora said.Bowling coach Bharat Arun praised the team's resilience and highlighted the impact of Mitchell Starc's inclusion. "I think it was pretty tough, the last two years. It was touch and go - we didn't qualify. It needed a lot of introspection and now we can savour this moment. He (Harshit Rana) has been outstanding. It's about backing your strengths," Arun said.Arun also lauded the decision to open with Narine, which was proposed by Gambhir. "Spinners mature with age, and with Sunny and Varun bowling in tandem, it was superb. He (Narine) brought a totally different dimension to our batting. It was Gautam who insisted that he opened and it paid dividends," Arun said.Opener-keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who joined KKR late in the season, was delighted to be part of the winning team. "My mom is watching from the home. She is feeling good now. I asked mom before the match if she wanted anything. She said just the win. When Salt was playing, I wasn't expecting to get a chance but I knew it's a long tournament and I needed to be ready. Once I got the chance, I was well prepared," Gurbaz said.The KKR camp was abuzz with excitement and plans for celebrations. "I cannot tell how happy I am," said Harshit Rana. "It's yet to sink in yet. Maybe it will after the party at night," added Angkrish Raghuvanshi.All-rounder Ramandeep Singh said he would be busy selecting songs for the party. "I am really happy. We worked really hard for it, so feeling really happy. It's a great environment. Poora gaah payeya hoeya hai (We have had a ball). I am the DJ, I play the song people demand," Singh said.