The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have built a squad of 21 players. This includes the six players that were retained ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. While they have managed to bring back some players from last year, they have also managed to bring some players who have played for them previously. Meanwhile, in this listicle, we will have a look at four overseas players that will play for the three-time winners.
Four overseas players who will play for KKR
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
The Afghanistan opening batter is also a wicketkeeper batter who seems to be a surety in the top-order. He has been part of the team since 2023 and was brought by the Purple Brigade. The right-hander 14 games for the team and has 289 runs to his name including two fifties. Quinton de Kock, who is also part of the team, seems to be the backup for Gurbaz
2. Sunil Narine
The former West Indies cricketer has been part of the team since they clinched their maiden IPL title in 2012. He not only plays for KKR but also for its subsidiaries in CPL, MLC, and ILT20. Narine resumed opening the batting for the Knight Riders in the last season and is expected to do so as he scored 488 runs in the last season. The T20 World Cup 2012 winner picked 17 wickets as well.
3. Andre Russell
The West Indies all-rounder was one of the six retentions last year. Talking about his performance in 2024, he scored 222 runs averaging 31.71 and picked 19 wickets. A dangerous all-rounder like him is a surety in the playing XI.
4. Spencer Johnson
The Australia left-arm pacer picked his maiden T20I fifer against Pakistan last year ahead of the auction. An out and out T20 bowler, he hits the length hard and ball heavy delivery on occasions. Johnson was previously part of Gujarat Titans. The 29-year-old has picked 79 wickets in 65 T20 matches including the leagues.
