Kolkata Knight Riders Squad and Season Preview for IPL 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders are gearing up for IPL 2025 with a strong squad and high expectations. After winning the title in 2024, they will look to defend their championship and build on their success. With a mix of experienced stars and exciting new additions in the preseason, KKR will be one of the teams to watch this season. Fantasy cricket players will want to keep a close eye on them while making their Dream 11 fantasy selections.

Full Squad for IPL 2025

KKR have assembled a well-balanced squad with depth in both batting and bowling:

Captain: Ajinkya Rahane

Batters: Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia
All-rounders: Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell
Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Spencer Johnson, Umran Malik*, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy

* Update March 16: Umran Malik is out for the season and will be replaced by Chetan Sakariya.

Fantasy players will find plenty of strong options in this lineup, especially among the all-rounders and finishers who can turn the game around. Selecting the right combination for Dream 11 teams could be the key to success.

Performance in IPL 2024

KKR had a dominant season in 2024, finishing at the top of the table with nine wins and three losses in the league stage. They carried that form into the playoffs, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in both Qualifier 1 and the final to secure their third IPL title. With most of their key players retained, they will aim to repeat their success in 2025.

Key Players to Watch

Venkatesh Iyer: The most expensive player in IPL history, acquired for INR 23.75 crore, Iyer will be a key figure in KKR’s batting and bowling plans. His ability to anchor innings and deliver crucial overs makes him an important asset.
Andre Russell: One of the most explosive all-rounders in T20 cricket, Russell’s power-hitting and ability to bowl in crucial moments will make him a key match-winner once again.
Sunil Narine: A veteran of the team, Narine’s mystery spin and handy batting contributions make him indispensable. He will be leading KKR’s spin attack and will be crucial in middle overs.
Quinton de Kock: A new addition to the squad, de Kock will be tasked with providing aggressive starts at the top of the order. His experience in T20 cricket makes him a solid choice for fantasy teams.
Anrich Nortje: With raw pace and the ability to deliver in the powerplay and death overs, Nortje is expected to spearhead KKR’s fast-bowling attack.
Rinku Singh: A retained player, Rinku has been a reliable middle-order batsman. His ability to handle pressure and finish games will be crucial for KKR.
Moeen Ali: A proven all-rounder, Moeen adds experience and versatility to the team. He can contribute with both bat and ball, making him a valuable pick for fantasy teams.

Kolkata Knight Riders Title Odds for IPL 2025

KKR are among the top contenders for the title, with sportsbooks listing their odds mostly between 7.00 and 9.00. As defending champions, they will be a strong force in the competition.

Opening Match in IPL 2025

KKR will kick off their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Early odds favor KKR at around 1.66, while RCB are placed at 2.05. A strong start at home could set the tone for their title defense.

For fantasy cricket players, this opening match presents an opportunity to select impact players. Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Quinton de Kock could be solid picks for batting and all-rounder slots, while Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje remain top options in the bowling department.