Kolkata Knight Riders wrapped up Day 2 of the IPL Mega Auction 2025 in style, securing a host of utility players to perfectly round off their squad. With smart & calculated picks, KKR added depth to their lineup, ensuring a well-balanced team ready to take on the challenges of the season. The acquisition of multi-dimensional players has not only bolstered the versatility of the squad but also added to the important facets of the team for the Knight Riders in the upcoming season.
Here’s all you need to know about KKR’s Auction Picks from Day 2:
1.Rovman Powell - The Swashbuckling All-Rounder: KKR opened Day 2 with a brilliant acquisition of Rovman Powell for ₹1.5 crores. Rovman being the current West Indies T20 Captain and a terrific all-rounder, adds a new dimension to the squad. His experience batting in the middle order and bowling crucial overs helps KKR with an important option to rely on. Powell will join his Caribbean buddies Andre Russell and Sunil Narine as he will be aiming to deliver great performances for KKR in the upcoming season.
2.Manish Pandey - Heartfelt Homecoming for Pandey Ji: KKR were also able to buy back their very own Manish Pandey for ₹75 lakhs. His inclusion in this side raises KKR’s batting depth and adds that pivotal experience to the unit. Pandey Ji as they famously call him, has been an integral part of the KKR setup and was a key reason to KKR’s title win back in 2014. Manish will be delighted to return to Kolkata and will be aiming to give his best for the team as he has always done.
3.Spencer Johnson - The Aussie Pace Sensation: The young and upcoming Aussie pacer was picked up by KKR at ₹2.80 crores as they added to the depth of KKR’s bowling unit. His ability to generate express pace and extract bounce, Johnson can trouble even the best batters, particularly on fast tracks. Johnson’s aggressive approach and wicket-taking ability add a lot of value to this KKR unit. The youngster will be looking forward to representing KKR and delivering to his full potential in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
4.Ajinkya Rahane - Elegance Personified: KKR were able to acquire the services of the highly experienced batter Ajinkya Rahane at ₹1.5 crores. Rahane brings a wealth of class and stability to KKR’s batting lineup. Renowned for his impeccable technique and ability to anchor innings, Rahane provides much-needed balance to the aggressive batting order. His experience in handling high-pressure situations and guiding run chases makes him a valuable asset. Rahane’s leadership qualities and calm presence on and off the field will also play a crucial role in nurturing young talents in the squad.
5.Luvnith Sisodia - The Talented Wicket-Keeper: KKR picked up young wicket-keeper, Luvnith Sisodia for a base price of ₹30 lakhs. With his sharp glovework and explosive batting style, Sisodia adds depth to KKR’s lineup as a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter. His ability to adapt to different roles, whether anchoring the innings or accelerating in the death overs, makes him a valuable asset.
6.Anukul Roy - The Gifted All-Rounder: The highly talented Anukul Roy made his return to KKR as they picked him up for ₹40 lakhs. Known for his all-round skills, Anukul adds a lot of value to this lineup. With his ability to bat anywhere in the order, bowl in the powerplay and exceptional fielding skills, Anukul is a complete package and a terrific addition to this KKR lineup.
7.Moeen Ali - The Incredible All-Rounder: KKR made a staggering buy towards the fag end of the auction as they picked up Moeen Ali at ₹2 crores. As a seasoned T20 professional, Moeen Ali adds a lot to this KKR lineup. A versatile batter who can play all the roles right from anchoring till death over hitting and a quality off-spinner who can deliver wickets when needed. Ali’s addition will bolster this KKR attack and add to the all-round depth of the squad.
8.Umran Malik - The Trailblazer: Umran Malik was picked up by KKR for ₹75 lakhs adding to their pace bowling stocks significantly. Umran brings raw pace and unmatched firepower to KKR’s bowling attack for the season. Renowned for his ability to consistently clock speeds above 150 km/h, Malik is a game-changer who can rattle batters with sheer speed. His knack for striking in crucial moments, especially in the middle and death overs, adds a cutting edge to KKR’s bowling arsenal.
KKR wrapped up the Day 2 of the IPL Mega Auction 2025 by completing a well-rounded squad with some staggering picks right at the end of the day. The mix of experienced stalwarts, promising youngsters, and multi-dimensional players ensures a dynamic squad ready to tackle any challenge.
KKR’s Squad after TATA IPL Mega Auctions 2025:
Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Anrich Nortje, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Ajinkya Rahane, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Umran Malik
