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IPL 2025: 4 overseas players who will start for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

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Last updated on 14 Jan 2025 | 04:01 AM
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IPL 2025: 4 overseas players who will start for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Can KKR retain the title on the back of their latest overseas purchases?

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have plenty of talented overseas players to pick from in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. Here, we explore the four best options to start for them in the upcoming edition:

Andre Russell

Known for his brute force, Andre Russell is someone who can change the course of the game in a span of a few deliveries especially coming at the death. He has hit a boundary every 3.6 deliveries in the phase in the IPL since 2022. 

Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) celebrates a wicket in Indian Premier League (IPL)

He has an IPL career strike rate of 175 and not to forget, he is a more than handy option with the ball having picked up 115 wickets. At 36, he is still a vital cog in the KKR set up.

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine is one of the most versatile players in the IPL. He can bat anywhere in the line-up and bowl in any phase in the game. He is one of the most economical bowlers in the IPL, having conceded at just 6.73 an over in 177 matches. 

Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowls in Indian Premier League (IPL)

He is no mug with the bat, either. Only Andre Russell has a higher strike rate (174.9) than Sunil Narine (165.8) among batters who have scored at least 1,500 runs in the tournament.

Quinton de Kock

Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata were interested in procuring Quinton de Kock's services at the IPL 2025 auction, but eventually, the defending champions got the South African wicketkeeper for INR 3.6 crore. 

Quinton de Kock of Lucknow Super Giants plays a shot in Indian Premier League (IPL)

It could prove to be a bargain for them as de Kock can open the batting and also has a safe pair of hands behind the wickets. The southpaw has struck at 143.2 and has a healthy average of 31.07 in the IPL since 2022, which are terrific numbers.

Anrich Nortje

Although injuries have hampered Anrich Nortje's career, his skillset is undeniable. As a result, KKR have gambled on signing the South African pacer for INR 6.5 crore. 

Anrich Nortje of Delhi Capitals bowls in Indian Premier League (IPL)

Nortje has the ability to do well across phases, but it is in the middle and the death overs where he shines, having picked up 35 (SR 18.2) and 38 (SR 13.9) in the two phases in T20s since 2022, respectively.

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