In a surprising development, Shreyas Iyer, the IPL-winning captain, was not on Kolkata Knight Riders’ retention list for IPL 2025.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore explained that Iyer was the first name on their list, but the situation didn’t unfold as planned.

Mysore mentioned in an interaction with RevSportz, “Shreyas Iyer was the first name in our retention list. However, the retention process isn’t a one-way street. It is not just about the franchise. It is also about the player wanting to be retained, to continue with the franchise. Of course Shreyas was the first name in our list. He was the skipper. That’s why we got him in 2022.”
He added, “However, there are often things that you don’t control. If a player wants to test his market value, and the auction is the best marketplace to do that, it is always fair to let him do so. That’s what we at KKR have always believed in and have backed our players. At a personal level, I share a very good rapport with Shreyas, but it is also true he should have the freedom to decide.”
The 2025 IPL auction will feature three former captains, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul. Additionally, Rajasthan Royals have parted ways with Jos Buttler, possibly presenting another captaincy choice for the franchises.
Heinrich Klaasen emerged as the highest-paid player in the retentions, earning a Rs. 23 crore salary. Following him were RCB’s Virat Kohli and Lucknow Super Giants’ Nicholas Pooran, each retained for Rs. 21 crores.