Kolkata Knight Riders had a memorable previous edition, earning their third-ever IPL title after a massive gap of ten years. With an optimum mix of reliable players and a robust coaching staff, the team bet all the odds and claimed success. But, their retained list had several polar opinions from critics and fanatics, as they haven't retained the captain who led to their triumph.

With their retention list comprising of emerging and experienced campaigners, they haven't opted for having the Right-to-Match (RTM) option as they have filled all the spots so that it will be some new players venturing into the defending champions' side. That said, here are the potential five-player picks that the Knight Riders would go all out for in the forthcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis could be one of the primary targets for the Men in Purple management, as he ticks the boxes of an experienced power batter and a reliable captain. Considering that the side only has INR 51 Crore left in their purse, they can give their all to buy him, as they can rely on his captaincy expertise.

With just three editions for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has taken them twice to the final stages of the playoffs; the side can rest assured in giving him the captaincy position for the upcoming editions. In the last edition, he has made 438 runs in 15 matches at a decent average of over 30.

Ishan Kishan

The Kolkata Knight Riders will not change their powerful hitting lineup for IPL 2025. They can, however, target young Indian wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan, who has been freed by the Mumbai Indians, keeping in mind that the team also requires a reliable wicketkeeper. Kishan is known for his aggressive batting and power-hitting ability.

Kishan could be an excellent addition to KKR's star-studded batting lineup, which includes Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh. Kishan has recently been uneven with the bat, but recent matches in the local arena have helped to boost the confidence of all franchises in the Mega Auction. In 2024, he made 320 runs in 14 games, averaging at 23. 

Mohammed Shami

The Kolkata Knight Riders will now want to add an experienced fast bowler to their team for the IPL 2025. In the IPL 2025 mega auction, they might want to sign experienced Indian bowler Mohammed Shami. The right-arm bowler is now recovering from a knee injury sustained during his outstanding 2023 Cricket World Cup performance, in which he took an incredible number of wickets in just a few games.

Surprisingly, he has been released by the Gujarat Titans. The KKR management is expected to spend a large sum on him at the mega auction in Jeddah since he has played an essential role in whichever squad he has been a member of in his cricketing environment. Also, with several other franchises putting all their efforts into his acquisition, he could probably be one of the most expensive players in the upcoming mega auction.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru should target for in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Phil Salt

Phil Salt excelled in the top order for KKR in the IPL 2024. His aggressive hitting style might help the squad get off to a fast start. In this case, KKR wants to return him to the team for another season. Phil Salt was pivotal to KKR's successful season last year, scoring 435 runs at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 182 in 12 innings, including four fifties.

Despite his excellent performance, KKR dismissed him due to a surplus of players. On the other hand, Salt is an aggressive top-order batsman who maintains wickets and has league experience. Given his achievements, the three-time champions would go all and out for bringing him back to the side, even with the unavailability of an RTM card. 

Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi symbolises a solid IPL-batter package, thanks to his aggressive approach in obtaining crucial runs. He has consistently performed for any team he has ever represented, frequently stepping up when the squad needed him the most.

His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him essential. Tripathi's IPL experience and ability to score crucial runs make him a solid pick for any club. His retention would offer the squad stability and a player around whom to build tactics. In his 2024 stay, he scored 165 runs in just six matches, with a remarkable strike rate above 140. 

The troubles for the Indian team have already begun even before the start of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Controversy erupted when match officials made the decision to change the ball before the start of the play on Sunday in the first unofficial Test. India A players were informed that the ball was changed since the umpires felt that the ball was tampered at some point in the match.  

Umpire Shawn Craig is the man who brought this development to the team’s attention. Understandably so, the decision was not well received by the India A players and they soon began protesting the on-field umpire’s decision. 

Heated conversation between Kishan and the on-field umpires

Once the decision regarding ball change was made, Umpire Craig replied firmly to the Indian players stating that once the ball is scratched it ought to be changed and refrained from getting into further discussion. India A wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan was livid by that call and called it a stupid decision. 

India A accused of Ball Tampering.

Shawn Craig - "When you scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let's play. This is not a discussion."

Ishan Kishan - "So we have to play with this ball?"

S Craig - "You're playing with that ball."

I Kishan - "That's a very… pic.twitter.com/iKDoH0ZVDf

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) November 3, 2024

Such remarks were not welcomed by the on-field umpire and Kishan was later informed that he will be reported for the same. Surprisingly enough, the officials did not offer any explanation on how the ball was tampered and did not offer a 5-run penalty to Australia A.

See Also: Shai Hope shines in West Indies captain achievements with a century

Players implicated in the ball tampering incident may face suspensions if it is determined that the team deliberately altered the condition of the ball, as outlined in Cricket Australia's code of conduct. However, Kishan ended up on the fortunate side and was spared by the governing body despite his rash remarks against the on-field umpires.

Ishan Kishan will return to Jharkhand's Ranji Team after missing the 2023-24 season. He will be back to lead the side after last leading it in 2018-19. Their previous season's skipper, Virat Singh, has been named as Kishan's deputy. Saurabh Tiwary led them in their last match after which he retired.

Kishan recently featured in the Irani Cup for the Rest of India against Mumbai, where he scored 38 runs off 60 balls in his only innings. He didn't keep the wickets as Dhruv Jurel did the job for the Rest of India. Well, Kishan won't keep the wickets for Jharkhand as well because Kumar Kushagra is their designated wicketkeeper. Before the Irani Cup, Kishan featured in the Duleep Trophy as he played two matches for the India C side which also marked his return to domestic first-class cricket after December 2022.

During this period, Ishan Kishan lost his central BCCI contract with Shreyas Iyer, as the BCCI statement said that all athletes should give preference to domestic cricket when they are not part of the national team.

See Also:- Kane Williamson likely to miss the start of India Test series

Kumar Kushagra and Anukul Roy have been included in Jharkhand's 16-member squad for the first two games. They will begin their campaign against Assam, in Guwahati in the Elite Group D fixture. Last season, Jharkhand ended up third from the bottom in Group A, winning two, losing two, and drawing three of their seven matches.

Jharkhand Selection Committee Chairman about squad selection

Selection Committee Chairman Subroto Das said, "Ishan Kishan is an experienced player as he has international experience. We have picked a very young team. Saurabh Tiwary, Shahbaz Nadeem, and Varun Aaron had all retired after last season so we had to rethink our strategy. Ishan is capable of leading this young side and we're confident of doing well this Ranji season."

See Also:- Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Video Highlights: Schutt and Sutherland lead Australia to big win over New Zealand

Jharkhand squad for Ranji trophy (first two matches)

Ishan Kishan (captain), Virat Singh (vice-captain), Kumar Kushagra (wk), Nazim Siddique, Aryaman Sen, Sharandeep Singh, Kumar Suraj, Anukul Roy, Utkarsh Singh, Supriyo Chakraborty, Saurabh Shekhar, Vikas Kumar, Vivekanand Tiwary, Manishi, Ravi Kumar Yadav, Raunak Kumar

After returning to the cricket field, Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan scored a century on his red-ball comeback in the Duleep Trophy. Smashing 111 runs off 126 balls for India C, Ishan Kishan made headlines with his stunning strokeplay and skill. Though he isn't a part of Team India's squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, his knock could've given a message to the selectors as well. However, Ishan's knock made chatter about his return to the Indian national team and his social media post stole the limelight too.

Ishan Kishan smashed a hundred

Ishan Kishan last played for Team India during the tour of South Africa last year. Since his withdrawal from the tournament over mental fatigue, Ishan hasn't played in a single match for India. His absence from Jharkhand's Ranji Trophy campaign also made headlines, though he did play for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign as well.

However, Ishan Kishan finally returned to red-ball cricket with the Duleep Trophy match against India B. He played dominantly while hitting his seventh first-class century with 14 fours and three sixes while sharing an 189-run stand for the third wicket with Baba Indrajith, who also scored 78 off 136 balls, his second half-century in three innings as well.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

However, taking to Instagram, Ishan Kishan shared pictures of him batting for India C in the Duleep Trophy match against India B. He captioned the post: "Unfinished Business", hinting that this is only the start of his return to action as well.

Ishan Kishan is in great form

Notably, Kishan was a late inclusion into the India C side, as he joined on the eve of the game. He previously missed the first-round game for India D due to a groin injury that needed rehabilitation in Bengaluru as well, with Sanju Samson named as his replacement earlier as well.

The India B vs India C match, meanwhile, couldn't produce a result and the match ended in a draw.

Ishan Kishan finally returned to first-class cricket after more than a year and slammed a crucial century for India C on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy 2024/25 second round.

The 26-year-old Ishan Kishan was originally named for the India D ahead of the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024/25, but he was ruled out due to a groin injury. Although he wasn’t named in any of the four squads for the second round, which was announced on September 10, he surprisingly earned a late inclusion for India C.

SEE ALSO: Ishan Kishan turns up for India C in Duleep Trophy; BCCI stays silent

It is the India B vs India C match at Anantpur, where Kishan’s century helped India C to end the opening day solidly. After India B chose to field first, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured in the first over of the morning after twisting his ankle. 

After another opener Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar had a 92-run partnership for the first wicket, Kishan came to the crease. It is Kishan’s first first-class match after July 2023, when he toured the West Indies to play his first two Tests.  

Ishan Kishan scored 111 runs

On his first-class cricket return, Kishan recorded his seventh first-class century. Kishan was strong with the bat as the left-handed batter scored 111 runs off 126 balls with 14 fours and three sixes. Kishan and Baba Indrajith put up a solid 189-run partnership for the third wicket. While Mukesh Kumar bowled Kishan to break the third-wicket partnership, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar later bowled Indrajith for 78 runs.

SEE ALSO: Chahal records best bowling figures in first-class career in England

India C scored 357/5

Sai Sudharsan scored 43 runs, and Patidar scored 40 runs. After Indrajith’s dismissal, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad returned to the batting and remained not out on 46 runs. At the stumps of the opening day, India C scored 357/5. 

Among the India B bowlers, pacer Mukesh Kumar picked up three wickets (3/76).

Former India 12th man Ishan Kishan made a surprising appearance in the India C playing XI during the second round of the Duleep Trophy 2024. The Jharkhand-born wicketkeeper-batter, who has been sidelined from the national team since the ODI World Cup 2023, reentered the spotlight without prior notice, leaving fans and experts alike baffled. Despite being listed in the India D squad initially, Kishan took the field for India C, replacing Aryan Juyal, sparking curiosity over the BCCI’s unexplained decision.

Ishan's journey from ODI World Cup to Duleep Trophy

Once a pivotal player for Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, Ishan Kishan’s journey took a turn after the ODI World Cup 2023. The wicketkeeper-batter was named in the India D squad for the Duleep Trophy, but a groin injury kept him out of action during the first round. However, after scoring a century in the Buchi Babu Trophy, Ishan made his return, this time for India C, despite no official changes being announced for the squad.

His sudden appearance in India C's playing XI ignited social media, with fans campaigning for his return to the national team under the hashtag "Bring Back Ishan Kishan." BCCI’s silence on this shift only fueled the confusion, as no official statement explained the switch.

See Also: Ashwin sets sights on breaking McGrath and Lyon's records in Bangladesh Tests

Confusion surrounds BCCI’s move as Ishan eyes comeback

The BCCI's decision not to make an official announcement regarding Ishan’s inclusion in the India C squad left fans scratching their heads. Many questioned why the batter was listed for India D and then quietly moved to India C. Kishan’s last international appearance was during the South Africa tour in 2023, and his absence since has been a topic of speculation.

Ishan Kishan continuing from where he left off in red ball cricket

Got a 33 ball 50 in the last first class red ball match he played (for India v West Indies)

Goes into lunch with 20 off just 15 balls in #DuleepTrophy

— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) September 12, 2024

Ishan was announced as 1st choice wk for india d for 1st round then he got ruled out due to groin injury & sanju replaced him in d side, then he was not part of any squad for 2nd round but right now he is in playing 11 of India C which was announced as unchanged for 2nd round pic.twitter.com/V2BsZow9xA

— Vishal (@Fanpointofviews) September 12, 2024

Dropped after scoring 200
Dropped after playing a gem 82 vs pak in Asia cup saviour knock
Dropped after scoring 2 consecutive 50s in t20is
Dropped after scoring 50 in test
The poor luck of Ishan 💔

Give Him A Chance Please @BCCI@GautamGambhir
BRING BACK ISHAN KISHAN pic.twitter.com/w9hPv35Qm4

— KIRON GHOSAL (@KIRONGHOSA96823) September 11, 2024

Having taken a break after the ODI World Cup and missing out on the Ranji Trophy, Ishan was also omitted from BCCI’s central contracts list. Now, with his return in the Duleep Trophy, the left-hander hopes to make a significant impact and prove his worth to the selectors. A strong performance here could reignite his international career and make a compelling case for his inclusion in future national squads.

Star Mumbai Indians opener Ishan Kishan has backed MI skipper Hardik Pandya to win over the fans after having faced backlashes during their win over RCB on April 11. However, Hardik has been at the centre of the heat from the supporters after he replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of Mumbai Indians before the start of the IPL 2024 as well. He was also booed in Ahmedabad and during the loss against RR at the Wankhede as well.

Even during the win against RCB, Hardik Pandya was criticised, forcing Virat Kohli to step in and ask the crowd to support him. Speaking at the press conference after the match, Ishan Kishan said that Hardik is someone who loves the challenges and he would enjoy the situation he is in at the moment. And, Kishan said that one can’t complain to the fans as they have their expectations and point of view as well.

Mumbai Indians have registered two wins so far

“Talking about Hardik Pandya. He loves challenges. He has been in this situation before. He is in that situation right now. He is not someone who will come out and talk about this and that. I know he is someone who works really hard off the field. On the field, he is on a very different level,” he added.

“I know he must be enjoying it. I have spent a lot of time with him. He must be enjoying it. He is ready for the challenges, because you can’t complaint to the fans. They will come up with their expectations, they will come up with their point of view. But at the same time, me knowing how Hardik Pandya thinks, he is someone who loves challenges,” again said Ishan Kishan.

Ishan Kishan again stated that people will start loving Hardik Pandya once again as they would see the work he has been putting in and also claimed that the entire Mumbai Indians franchise is behind their captain.

People will recognise his hard work – Ishan Kishan backs Hardik Pandya

“He is happy with people doing it, in the coming games, he will do it with the bat and people will start loving him again. Because you’re doing well and people will also recognise your hard work. What you’re going through and still what you’re doing for the team. I think people do recognise that and our fans are like that. They can be a little harsh on you but at the same time, when you show that it isn’t bothering you, and you’re in a good head space and willing to perform well, that might change. If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then day after,” he said.

“We just don’t think about him getting booed. We are there to support him. Whole team is there, the franchise is there. I just feel happy for him that he is keen on performing even in this situation. He is going out there in the middle and hitting a six of the very first ball, knowing that things can do in a different way. People can question you as well. But that is something that Hardik Pandya has in himself and do it,” concluded Ishan Kishan.

Ishan also opened up on the controversial few weeks before the start of the IPL where he lost the BCCI contract as well.

Opening up on this, Ishan said: “I was practicing. When I took time off from the game, people were talking a lot. Many things came on social media. But you should also realize that many things are not in the hands of the players.”

Ishan has brought about a big shift in his mindset during the break. His gave a deep insight into his thought process, especially about handling the low phases in his career.

“The only thing you can do is utilise the time properly. Also the mindset to think about the previous Ishan Kishan, I would never leave a delivery in the first two overs even if they are bowling well. With time I have learnt that even 20 overs is a big game, you can take your time and you can go ahead. Even though we have lost matches, we want to work together as a team. Changes have come like even if I am not performing and if I know someone else is not performing, I talk to them. I want to know what they are thinking. So these are things which helped me in the break,” he concluded.

Mumbai’s dominant display with the bat showcased their depth and firepower in the batting department. From the outset, their batters took charge, attacking the Bengaluru bowlers relentlessly and capitalizing on every opportunity. The aggressive intent from Mumbai’s top order set the tone, with each batter contributing significantly to the team’s imposing total.

Their ability to maintain a brisk scoring rate throughout the innings kept the pressure on Bengaluru, leaving them with few answers to stem the flow of runs. Mumbai’s convincing victory not only underscores their batting prowess but also sends a strong message to their opponents about their formidable lineup.

On the other hand, Bengaluru finds themselves in a precarious position after yet another defeat, exacerbating their struggles in this year’s competition. Despite putting up competitive totals with the bat, their inability to contain opposition batsmen has been a recurring issue, leading to their downfall.

The team faces a critical juncture as they seek to address their bowling vulnerabilities and turn their fortunes around in the tournament. With several matches remaining, Bengaluru will need to regroup quickly, identify areas for improvement, and execute their plans effectively to bounce back from their current predicament.

See Also: IPL 2024: Player Analysis: Jos Buttler Roars Back into Form with a Match-Winning Century as Royals Maintain Unbeaten Streak

Analysis of Ishan Kishan’s Powerplay Brilliance

Mumbai’s decision to put Bengaluru in to bat first seemed justified initially, with the early dismissal of Virat Kohli. However, Faf du Plessis and Rajat Patidar steadied the innings with a resilient partnership, keeping the scoreboard ticking with well-timed boundaries.

Despite a remarkable 5-wicket haul by Jasprit Bumrah in the middle overs, Dinesh Karthik’s gritty fifty propelled Bengaluru to a respectable total. In their bowling effort, Bengaluru struggled to contain Mumbai’s aggressive batting lineup, leaking runs consistently and failing to apply sustained pressure.

In their pursuit of a challenging target of 197 runs, Mumbai’s batsmen wasted no time in launching an aggressive onslaught, spearheaded by Ishan Kishan’s explosive batting display. Kishan’s impeccable timing and boundary-hitting prowess set the tone for Mumbai’s innings, allowing Rohit Sharma to settle into his role as the anchor.

Mumbai’s openers navigated through the Powerplay unscathed, laying a solid foundation for their chase with a flurry of boundaries. Kishan reached his fifty in just 23 deliveries, showcasing his dominance at the crease. Despite Kishan’s departure after a blistering 69, Mumbai’s momentum remained intact as Suryakumar Yadav joined the fray with a breathtaking display of power-hitting.

Yadav’s aggressive approach saw him reach a fifty off just 17 balls, further bolstering Mumbai’s charge towards victory. With contributions from Hardik Pandya, who added valuable runs with his six-hitting prowess, Mumbai comfortably chased down the target with plenty of overs to spare, showcasing their batting depth and dominance in the match.

Despite posting a competitive total on the board, Bengaluru once again faced a familiar struggle with their bowling performance. Reece Topley managed to find some early movement, but the bowlers struggled to maintain consistency and contain the Mumbai batters. Mohammed Siraj, in particular, continued to grapple with expensive spells, while Glenn Maxwell and Vyshak were also unable to find their rhythm, bowling erratically.

Although Akash Deep provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Ishan Kishan, Bengaluru failed to stem the flow of runs as Mumbai’s openers launched an aggressive assault. Despite possessing a seasoned bowling unit, Bengaluru’s bowlers struggled to make any significant impact, allowing Mumbai to cruise to a convincing victory.

In an electrifying match at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians showcased their dominance, clinching a resounding victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore today. From the very toss until the final delivery, Mumbai Indians controlled the game, leaving RCB struggling in their wake. Led by Jasprit Bumrah‘s outstanding five-wicket haul, Mumbai’s bowlers dismantled RCB’s batting lineup, restricting them to 196/8.

Chasing a challenging target of 197, Mumbai Indians’ batters put on a spectacular display, completely outclassing RCB’s bowling attack. Opening batsmen Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan set the tone with a blazing start, forging a formidable 101-run partnership. Ishan Kishan’s explosive innings of 69 runs off just 34 deliveries, studded with seven boundaries and five sixes, laid the foundation for Mumbai’s victory.

Suryakumar Yadav makes an amazing comeback

Following Ishan’s onslaught, Suryakumar Yadav took charge and continued the onslaught, unleashing an onslaught of boundaries and sixes. His blistering knock of 53 runs from 19 balls, including five fours and four sixes, propelled Mumbai Indians closer to the target. Rohit Sharma’s contribution of 38 runs off 24 balls further bolstered Mumbai’s innings.

Hardik hits the final shot

With dew setting in, the pitch became more conducive for batting, enabling Mumbai’s batsmen to score freely. Hardik Pandya capitalized on the favorable conditions, smashing 21 runs off just six balls, including three towering sixes, to seal the victory for Mumbai Indians with 27 deliveries and seven wickets to spare.

In contrast, Royal Challengers Bangalore struggled to contain Mumbai’s rampant batting lineup and failed to make an impact with the ball. Despite Dinesh Karthik’s valiant effort in the death overs, RCB couldn’t defend their total against Mumbai’s formidable batting display.

See Also: IPL 2024: Suryakumar Yadav is back and how! Fans can’t stop excitement

Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the hero for Mumbai Indians with a stellar bowling performance, claiming five crucial wickets for just 21 runs. Bumrah’s early breakthroughs, including the prized wicket of Virat Kohli, set the tone for Mumbai’s dominant display with the ball. His exceptional spell disrupted RCB’s innings and paved the way for Mumbai’s comprehensive victory.

Overall, Mumbai Indians’ all-round performance, led by Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, propelled them to a commanding win over Royal Challengers Bangalore, maintaining their momentum in the tournament.