They came in with flair, dressed in purple and gold, ready to reignite the magic of Eden Gardens. But the 2025 IPL season didn’t quite unfold as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had hoped. A string of inconsistent performances saw the two-time champions finish 8th on the league table, far from the playoffs and further from title contention. Yet, in the heart of this underwhelming campaign, there were individual sparks and flashes of brilliance that offered fans something to cheer for and management something to build on. These efforts, though not enough to change KKR’s fortunes in 2025, have already initiated intense debate over the 2026 KKR retained list.
2025 KKR Best Players：Potential Untouchables Ahead of 2026
As KKR prepare for yet another possible reshuffling before the next mega auction, finding and retaining the 2025 KKR best players becomes a priority. These are not merely figures on a score sheet; they are glimmers of what a rebuilt KKR might be. Let’s take a look at four performances that were top-notch this season.
1. Ajinkya Rahane – The Veteran’s Last Dance or a New Dawn?
When KKR entrusted Ajinkya Rahane with the captaincy in 2025, eyebrows were raised. But the veteran responded with the bat and the composed presence KKR so badly required in a tumultuous season. Rahane led the charge, scoring 390 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 147.73, striking 36 fours and 20 sixes his most fruitful IPL season in years.
“𝙐𝙨𝙣𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙖𝙖 𝙆𝙚𝙚 𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙛 𝙈𝙪𝙢𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙉𝙖𝙝𝙞….𝘼𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝘼𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝘼𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙚𝙚𝙣” 🤌💜 pic.twitter.com/PNcekTiMs6
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 29, 2025
His calmness was a steadying influence amidst a turbulent campaign, and he is a top bet among the 2025 KKR best players. Whether he was holding the innings or ramping it up when required, Rahane shifted his role with clarity. Although age does not seem to be in his favour, his leadership skills and experience cannot be easily ignored. If KKR are looking to maintain a balance of experienced brains and youngsters, Rahane’s name would be very much at the forefront of the 2026 KKR retained list.
2. Angkrish Raghuvanshi – Youthful Grit with a Bright Horizon
KKR unearthed a gem in Angkrish Raghuvanshi this season. The youngster played with maturity well beyond his years, scoring 300 runs in 12 matches with a healthy strike rate of 139.53, slamming 30 fours and 8 sixes. Whether opening or batting in the middle, Raghuvanshi showcased adaptability. His knock of 72* against a strong bowling unit was among the few bright spots of the KKR campaign. In a team searching for long-term Indian batting talent, Raghuvanshi’s performances shone through.
Angkrish’s got it all covered ✅ 🎯 pic.twitter.com/a5r8S2eLhD
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 25, 2025
He may not have the loudest numbers, but his consistency and temperament make him one of the 2025 KKR best players. At just 19, his ceiling is high, and his place in the 2026 KKR retained list feels almost non-negotiable. If nurtured correctly, he could be KKR’s batting mainstay for years to come.
3. Varun Chakravarthy – The Spin Spearhead KKR Can’t Let Go
Spin has always been KKR’s backbone, and in 2025, Varun Chakravarthy once again proved why he’s among the IPL’s most effective tweakers. He picked up 17 wickets in 13 matches, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker. His ability to strike at crucial intervals and contain runs kept KKR in several tight games.
Varun 𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕤 ~ ✨ pic.twitter.com/T5iRJz8Ask
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 10, 2025
Varun’s economy under pressure and his ability to break partnerships made him a go-to bowler in all phases, whether in the powerplay, middle overs, or at the death. He bowled with intelligence, using variations that baffled batters even on batting-friendly wickets.
Monday motivation = Match day in 24 hours! 🔥💜 pic.twitter.com/0vBGATo85M
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 14, 2025
Among the 2025 KKR best players, Chakravarthy’s consistency was unmatched in the bowling department. As KKR plans its rebuild, retaining a match-winning spinner is critical, especially in Eden’s turning tracks. Expect his name to be at the very top of the 2026 KKR retained list. His presence could also guide the next generation of KKR spinners, serving as both a performer and mentor moving forward.
4. Sunil Narine – The Undying Knight Who Keeps Giving
Every year, questions are raised about Sunil Narine’s future. And every year, the Trinidadian answers in style. In 2025, Narine was not just relevant—he was impactful with both bat and ball. He scored 246 runs at a staggering strike rate of 170.83, hitting 25 fours and 19 sixes, and also chipped in with 10 wickets.
All-round class, all season long 💜 pic.twitter.com/5UQXgV1urE
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) June 4, 2025
He gave KKR quick starts as a pinch-hitter and struck at crucial moments with the ball. His utility and commitment make him indispensable. In a season where many faded, Narine stood up once again, making it to the 2025 KKR best players list. His all-around brilliance and versatility give him an edge when discussing the 2026 KKR retained list. Even if his role gradually shifts to being a mentor, Narine’s influence in the dressing room is undeniable. For KKR, he remains both legacy and asset.
Final Word
The 2025 IPL may have been a forgettable chapter in Kolkata Knight Riders’ history, but it wasn’t void of purpose. In a season marked by missteps, players like Rahane, Raghuvanshi, Chakravarthy, and Narine gave the fans something to believe in. They didn’t just put up performances; they defined what KKR stood for: resilience, spirit, and potential. These names have emerged as the 2025 KKR best players, and their contributions could well form the bedrock of a turnaround in 2026.
One team. Infinite memories. Thank you, Knights 💜 pic.twitter.com/GZMQxefZxy
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 26, 2025
As discussions heat up over the 2026 KKR retained list, these four look like logical inclusions. With auctions looming and a fresh strategy in the making, KKR must balance experience, youth, and form to engineer their next title run. And when that journey begins, it may just be these familiar faces, shaped by the challenges of 2025, who lead the charge for redemption in purple and gold.
