As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, teams like Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are preparing to strengthen their squads for the new season. While both teams have already retained their core players, they are now in a position where they can target and bid for their former players, despite not having Right-to-Match (RTM) cards. The RTM cards allow teams to match the highest bid for players they’ve released, but since RR and KKR don’t have this luxury, they will have to be strategic in their pursuit of former squad members.
Here’s a closer look at the players RR and KKR should target to buy back at the IPL 2025 players list.
Rajasthan Royals: High-Priority Targets
Rajasthan Royals will enter the auction with INR 41 crore remaining in their purse. With their retention slots filled, they cannot use RTM cards but can still outbid other teams for the players they let go. Some former players who should be high on their wishlist include:
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Jos Buttler
A cornerstone of Rajasthan Royals’ success in recent years, Jos Buttler is one of the most explosive openers in world cricket. After winning the Orange Cap in IPL 2022, Buttler proved to be a game-changer with his powerful hitting and consistency at the top of the order. However, with a hefty price tag attached to him, Buttler could stretch RR’s budget. If they can afford him, his return would be a massive boost to their top-order batting. -
Yuzvendra Chahal
As the leading wicket-taker for RR in recent seasons, Yuzvendra Chahal is one of the best spinners in IPL history. The Purple Cap winner in IPL 2022, Chahal has been instrumental in RR’s bowling attack. Given the franchise’s recent struggles to find consistent spin options, bringing back Chahal would shore up their bowling lineup and provide a solid option in the middle overs. -
Avesh Khan
Another player who could be a strong target for Rajasthan Royals is Avesh Khan. Avesh was one of the most economical death bowlers in IPL 2024, and his form has been impressive enough to earn him a spot in India’s T20I squad. Although his price may be higher than RR’s budget allows, Avesh would bring a wealth of experience and an excellent death-bowling option to RR’s attack. -
Prasidh Krishna
After two years away from the IPL due to injuries, Prasidh Krishna is back to full pace and has shown great form with the red ball. His ability to generate bounce and his accuracy make him a highly valuable asset in the T20 format. If RR can secure him within their budget, Krishna’s addition would add significant depth to their pace attack. -
Ravichandran Ashwin
The 37-year-old Ravichandran Ashwin has been a key player for Rajasthan Royals with both bat and ball. Ashwin’s experience, coupled with his crafty spin bowling, makes him a valuable asset in the IPL. Given that he plays an important role in the Royals’ middle overs and has the ability to contribute with the bat in pressure situations, Ashwin could provide the Royals with valuable match-ups in the IPL 2025 players list. -
Trent Boult
The experienced Trent Boult would also be a fantastic pick for RR, particularly in the powerplay. Boult’s ability to swing the ball and take early wickets has been vital for RR in the past. At 35, his age might be a factor, but he still possesses the skill to make early breakthroughs and provide a steady pace option at the start of innings. RR could bring him back at a reasonable price if other teams don’t bid aggressively for him. -
Kuldeep Sen
A player who could be picked up on a lower budget is Kuldeep Sen, the 28-year-old pacer. Sen had a breakthrough IPL 2022 season, taking eight wickets and earning a spot in the Indian squad. While his performances dipped afterward, his potential remains high. RR could look to acquire him at a low price to bolster their pace attack.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Former Players to Target
KKR, like Rajasthan Royals, will be hoping to buy back some of their former players in the auction. While their budget might not be as large as others, there are several players they should keep an eye on:
Read Also:- Purse Remaining for All Teams in IPL 2025 Auction
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Andre Russell
One of the most explosive all-rounders in T20 cricket, Andre Russell has been a long-time star for KKR. While he has been inconsistent in recent seasons, his ability to change the game with bat and ball is unparalleled. If KKR can bring him back at the right price, Russell would provide the team with the firepower needed in the lower middle order and can also chip in with crucial overs. -
Sunil Narine
A stalwart of the KKR bowling attack, Sunil Narine has been a match-winner for the franchise in multiple seasons. His ability to bowl tight lines and take wickets in the middle overs makes him a valuable asset. If KKR can bring Narine back, his partnership with the team’s young guns would provide great balance and experience to the squad. -
Shivam Mavi
A promising young fast bowler, Shivam Mavi has shown glimpses of his potential with both the ball and bat. While his recent performances have been inconsistent, KKR could look to buy him back at a reasonable price. Mavi would add depth to KKR’s pace attack and could emerge as a key player in future seasons. -
Chris Lynn
The Australian opener, Chris Lynn, has been a powerful hitter in the IPL, though his time with KKR was limited. If KKR is looking for an overseas batsman who can provide explosive starts, Lynn could be a valuable option to bring back at the right price.
Conclusion
While both Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have their retention slots filled and no RTM cards at their disposal, they still have the opportunity to bring back some of their former players at the IPL 2025 players list auction. With limited budgets, the key will be to target players who offer value, experience, and skills that can fill gaps in the squad. For RR, Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravichandran Ashwin should be priorities, while KKR could look to bring back experienced players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. Both franchises will need to make smart bids to complete their squads for a successful IPL 2025 season.