5 Pacers KKR Can Bid for in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

As the 2025 IPL Mega Auction starts from 24-25 November 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, franchises are looking to rebuild or strengthen their squads. For Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a team with a legacy of strong pace attacks, this auction presents an opportunity to grab some of the best fast bowlers available. Here are five pacers that KKR should seriously consider bidding for to dominate the 2025 season:

5. Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada, the South African speedster, has been a dominant force in the IPL. Released by Punjab Kings ahead of the 2025 auction, Rabada was their leading wicket-taker in 2022, with 23 wickets in 13 matches. He has the rare ability to deliver consistently in crunch situations, making him a valuable asset.

His pace, accuracy, and knack for taking wickets at crucial moments could make a significant difference for KKR, especially on pitches like Eden Gardens, which can support fast bowlers. Given his track record in the IPL and international cricket, Rabada could be a great addition to KKR’s bowling lineup.

4. Mohammed Siraj

Another exciting prospect for KKR is Mohammed Siraj. Released by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after the 2024 season, Siraj has been a crucial part of RCB’s bowling attack since 2018. Over his six-year stint with RCB, he picked up 83 wickets in 87 matches, showcasing his reliability as a strike bowler.

Known for his ability to swing the new ball and deliver economical spells in the death overs, Siraj can bring versatility to the KKR pace battery. His experience in IPL’s high-pressure games could make him a game-changer for the team, especially in defending tight totals.

3. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc’s name in the auction will undoubtedly attract significant attention. The Australian left-arm pacer, who has previously played only two seasons in the IPL (2014 and 2015), returned to the league with a bang in 2024 when KKR acquired him for a hefty sum of ₹24.75 crore. Starc took 17 wickets in 14 matches for KKR last season, showcasing his deadly pace and ability to bowl lethal yorkers.

Bringing him back could reinforce KKR’s bowling attack, as his left-arm angle and experience make him a nightmare for batsmen. Starc’s ability to provide early breakthroughs and his control in the death overs would make him a top target for KKR in the auction.

2. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm seamer who played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, is another promising bowler who will be up for grabs in the auction. Despite his stellar performances, Punjab Kings chose not to retain him, which surprised many fans and analysts. Arshdeep was PBKS’s top bowler last season, bagging 19 wickets in 14 matches.

With a base price of ₹2 crore, he will likely attract multiple bids, and KKR should be one of them. Arshdeep’s ability to bowl tight spells in the powerplay and deliver under pressure during the death overs makes him a valuable prospect. His T20 experience and consistent performances can provide KKR with the stability they need in the bowling department.

1. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami, a star performer in India’s 2023 World Cup campaign, is another bowler who could make a big impact for KKR. Shami has a history with KKR, having started his IPL career with the franchise, and a potential reunion could be beneficial for both parties.

Over 77 IPL matches, Shami has picked up 79 wickets with an average of 30.41. His recent form in domestic cricket, where he showcased his fitness and bowling skills by taking seven wickets in Ranji Trophy, proves that he is still a potent force. Shami’s experience and ability to swing the ball both ways make him an ideal candidate for KKR’s pace attack.

KKR’s strategy for the 2025 IPL Mega Auction should focus on building a well-rounded pace attack. The above five bowlers, with their proven records and unique skill sets, offer a range of options that KKR can leverage to dominate the upcoming season. Whether it’s the sheer pace of Kagiso Rabada, the swing of Mohammed Siraj, the left-arm threat of Mitchell Starc and Arshdeep Singh, or the experience of Mohammed Shami, KKR has the opportunity to create a fearsome bowling unit that can challenge any batting lineup. With the auction just around the corner, it will be interesting to see how KKR moves to secure some of these top talents.

Relevant news