Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have received a significant boost ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction with the potential retention of uncapped fast bowler Harshit Rana at a cost-effective price of Rs 4 crore.
Rana, despite his impressive domestic performances and contributions to KKR’s title-winning campaign in 2023, remains uncapped due to a viral infection that prevented him from making his international debut in the third T20I against Bangladesh.
This unfortunate circumstance has worked in KKR’s favor, as they can now retain Rana at a significantly lower cost than if he had made his international debut. The uncapped player retention rule allows teams to secure the services of uncapped players for a maximum of Rs 4 crore.
Rana’s impressive domestic record and his contributions to KKR’s success make him a valuable asset for the team. In the 2023 IPL season, he claimed 19 wickets in 13 matches, playing a crucial role in KKR’s run to their third title.
KKR’s decision to retain Rana at this price could be a strategic move, allowing them to invest more in other key areas of the squad while keeping a promising young player on their roster.
Rana’s international debut may still be on the horizon, as he has been named as one of the traveling reserves for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand at home. However, with pace sensation Mayank Yadav and experienced seamer Prasidh Krishna also among the reserves, Rana’s chances of making his debut in the Test series appear slim.
