Kolkata Knight Riders had a top class Day 1 of the IPL Mega Auction 2025 with a series of smart and impactful buys which bolstered their squad for the upcoming season. The Knight Riders made waves by securing some brilliant players while also bringing back a few familiar faces, reigniting the passion of their loyal fans. With a perfect blend of experience, firepower, and youth KKR have made strong moves towards building a well rounded squad for IPL 2025.

Here’s everything you need to know about KKR’s Day 1 Auction Picks:

1.Venkatesh Iyer - Mr. Elegance returns home: KKR splurged a jaw-dropping ₹23.75 crores to bring Venkatesh Iyer back into their fold, winning a fierce bidding war that had the auction room buzzing with excitement. Since making his debut with KKR in 2021, Iyer has contributed in a significant way to KKR’s success. Coming in clutch in the knock out stages for the team, with 234 runs at a strike rate of 149 with 4 fifties in 5 innings, Venkatesh has always accumulated the important runs for the Knight Riders. Iyer will be raring to go in the upcoming season with the same intent and aggression as he moves into the next chapter with the Knight Riders.

2.Quinton De Kock - The Phenomenal Protea: KKR were able to secure the services of Quinton De Kock at ₹3.6 crores. Knight Riders have brought in a seasoned opener and a reliable wicketkeeper who can anchor the innings while delivering explosive starts. De Kock’s experience in high-pressure IPL matches, combined with his ability to adapt to different conditions, makes him a valuable asset for KKR’s batting lineup.

3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz - Jaani’s Homecoming: The Afghani Dynamo, Rahmanullah Gurbaz made his return to KKR as the keeper-bat was secured at ₹2 crores. Known for his fearless approach and explosive stroke play, Gurbaz can set the tone at the top of the order, putting bowlers under pressure and creating a platform for big totals. His ability to dominate powerplays and adapt across various formats makes him a crucial asset in IPL 2025. ‘The Jaani’ as they call him fondly, will be eager to represent KKR yet again and will be aiming to give his best.

4.Anrich Nortje - The Fierce Speedster: Anrich Nortje's inclusion in the KKR squad for ₹6.5 crores brings a fiery edge to their bowling attack. Nortje is a proven match-winner in T20 cricket, known for his raw pace, deadly accuracy, and ability to rattle batsmen with searing deliveries. His knack for delivering under pressure, both in the powerplay and at the death, adds immense value to KKR’s bowling lineup. Nortje has the potential to be the leader of KKR’s young bowling attack and will be aiming to deliver his best in the upcoming season of IPL.

5. Angkrish Raghuvanshi - Starboy Returns to Purple & Gold: KKR bought back promising youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi for ₹3 crores and bolstered their batting contingent. Angkrish brings in the flare of youth and a hunger to prove himself on the big stage. His ability to play versatile roles in the batting order adds depth to KKR’s lineup. Angkrish’s cameos last year left many in the cricketing world awestruck and he will be aiming to make his return and deliver many more impactful knocks in the upcoming season.

6.Vaibhav Arora - The return of the Swinging Star: KKR were successful in buying back Vaibhav Arora for ₹1.80 crores as they made a significant addition to their bowling attack. Vaibhav’s ability to move the ball both ways, especially in the powerplay, makes him a valuable asset in breaking partnerships early. He will yet again pair-up alongside Harshit Rana to form a formidable duo and will be looking to hunt in pairs as they have always done. Vaibhav has come up the ranks and matured into an excellent all-phase bowler over the years and he will be aiming to continue to do well for KKR yet again.

7.Mayank Markande - The Spin Sensation: The talented young spinner Mayank Markande was picked up by KKR at a price of ₹30 lakhs as they added to their already impressive spin bowling unit. The leg-spinners variations and overall skills add a new dimension to KKR’s spin contingent and Mayank will be hoping to deliver. The trio of Mayank-Narine-Chakaravarthy brings an unmatched level of mystery and all the teams will be vary of it.

KKR closed out a fruitful day at the auction table after adding 7 exciting players to the squad. They were able to bring back 4 of their last year’s stars while making 3 new and important additions to the squad. Knight Riders will be going into Day 2 of the auction with their sights set on completing a well-rounded KKR unit for IPL 2025. KKR now have 12 overall slots left with 3 overseas slots remaining. Going into Day 2, KKR have a purse of ₹10.05 crores left.

Here’s KKR’s Squad after Day 1 of the IPL Mega Auction 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