Kolkata Knight Riders Reacquire Shreyas Iyer and Mitchell Starc in IPL Mock Auction

In a surprising turn of events, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have successfully re-signed Shreyas Iyer and Mitchell Starc during a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) mock auction. Despite leading KKR to their third IPL title in the 17th season, Iyer was not retained for the 2025 season, causing quite a stir among fans and analysts alike.

Shreyas Iyer, who initially joined KKR for INR 12.25 crore during the IPL 2022 mega auction, demanded a substantial increase in salary, reportedly seeking INR 30 crore. According to KKR CEO Venky Mysore, Iyer was indeed their top choice for retention. However, the franchise opted not to meet his asking price, allowing Iyer to explore his market value further.

In a strategic move, KKR participated in a mock auction where they managed to re-sign Iyer for a significantly lower amount of INR 4.4 crore. Industry experts anticipate that Iyer will command a much higher value in the upcoming mega auction, with estimates exceeding INR 15 crore. Teams such as Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are reportedly on the lookout for a new captain, making Iyer an attractive target.

In addition to reacquiring Iyer, KKR also secured the services of former player Mitchell Starc for INR 8.4 crore. Starc, who joined the franchise for INR 24.75 crore during the IPL 2024 mini-auction, had an up-and-down season but ultimately delivered crucial performances in the playoffs and final, contributing to the team's success.

These strategic moves by KKR underscore their commitment to building a robust squad capable of defending their title in the upcoming IPL season. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the mega auction, all eyes will be on how these acquisitions impact the team's dynamics and performance.