KKR's Ten Most Expensive Buys In IPL History Ahead Of The 2025 Mega Auction

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are approaching the IPL 2025 mega auction with fresh enthusiasm following their triumphant IPL 2024 campaign. This victory marked the end of a decade-long wait for their third IPL title.

In the previous auction, KKR made headlines by acquiring Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for an unprecedented Rs 24.75 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Known for his formidable left-arm pace and swing, Starc was a crucial addition to KKR's bowling lineup.

Over the years, KKR has been known for its strategic investments in marquee players during IPL auctions. These high-profile purchases have helped them build a competitive squad. Notable acquisitions include Pat Cummins in IPL 2020 and Shreyas Iyer as a captaincy prospect in IPL 2022.

In the IPL 2011 auction, KKR made significant moves by bringing in Gautam Gambhir and Yusuf Pathan. This duo played pivotal roles in securing two IPL titles for KKR, with Gambhir also mentoring the team to their third title in 2024.

As they prepare for the IPL 2025 mega auction, KKR has retained six players from their victorious 2024 season. Rinku Singh is their most valuable retention at Rs 13 crore, followed by Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy at Rs 12 crore each. Uncapped players Ramandeep Singh and Harshit Rana were retained at Rs 4 crore each.

Entering the auction with Rs 51 crore, KKR might not splurge on a single player this time. However, they could still make strategic buys that could place one or two players among the top ten most expensive acquisitions.

**Excluding Retention Fees