The window to name their retention for the franchises for the IPL 2025 season auction closes on 31st October. While KKR, like other franchises, is yet to confirm their retention list. However, shockingly, the title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, was not the forerunner in the retention list. 

According to the Times of India, Iyer was not approached by the franchise until 27th October, just four days before the window closes. Until Friday, there was still uncertainty regarding Iyer’s contention in KKR. The first discussion between Iyer and franchise took place on Sunday. 

Needless to say, after Iyer’s performance in the last season, many other franchises are bidding for the star batter. Reportedly, Shreyas was pondering on refusing KKR after the numbers other franchises had offered him. 

Iyer led the KKR team to win the title last season. His ability to lead was already proven when he headed the Delhi Capitals. He is a sought after player in the league. With KKR stepping back, several franchises are ready to bid for him if he enters the auction—an opportunity few would want to miss.

Previously, it was reported that the other KKR stars, such as two West Indies players Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, along with the batter Rinku Singh, wrist-spinner Varun Chakarvarthy, and uncapped fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana, were ahead in the contention list. 

Rana was recently named in the Border Gavaskar as well as his maiden test. He was with KKR since 2022, however, he gained the limelight last year after taking 19 wickets. Rinku Singh, the star batter, has also been in the franchise since 2018.