As the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares for its much-awaited mega auction, KKR will have to play smart to retain its players. With a mix of established stars and promising newcomers, here are the top five players KKR would retain for the next season.

Andre Russell

Andre Russell has been a foundation player for KKR right from the day he wore the franchise’s shirt. He is known more for his explosive batting skills and game-changing bowling skills. He brings such value to the middle-order batting and balling aspects of the game. There is no doubt that having him on board can turn around matches single-handedly; hence, retaining him in the team will ensure not lose the firepower of the team.

For KKR, Russell scored 2426 runs in 120 matches with 11 half-centuries to his name and scalped 114 wickets with best bowling figures of 5/15.

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine is the one who contributes the most to KKR. His mystery spin has been confusing batsmen for years, and he also gives the team crucial breakthroughs time and again. And his lower-order batting strengthens the batting lineup. Being a long-term player for the franchise and having always delivered for the team, Narine is a no-brainer retention for KKR.

Narine’s KKR Stats

Narine scored 1534 runs in 177 matches with 7 half-centuries and a century and scalped 180 wickets with best bowling figures of 5/19.

Shreyas Iyer

Since being appointed captain, Shreyas Iyer has steadied the ship and been a great leader. The aggressive batting style and his ability to anchor innings would be of great importance to KKR’s strategy. A young leader with vast potential, Iyer would ensure continuity and vision for the franchise’s future by retaining him.

Iyer’s KKR Stats

Iyer scored 752 runs in 29 matches with 5 half-centuries and with best score of 85.

Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh has been one of the promising talents in the last few seasons. His finishing games and playing under pressure have made him a fan favorite. Retaining Rinku would not only seal a young batsman with hig

Rinku’s KKR Stats

Rinku scored 893 runs in 46 matches with 4 half-centuries to his name.

Phil Salt

The salted impression Salt creates while batting was explosive within the T20 circuit, so he scores well early, which goes on to determine the character of an innings for the KKR side. That he adds batting and then being the wicket-keeper does provide versatility – and making it a key retention prospect by Kolkata Knight Riders to complement the batting potential in his combination.

Salt’s KKR Stats

Salt scored 435 runs in 12 matches which includes 4 half-centuries.