KKR Kickstarts Pre-Season Training Ahead of IPL 2025

The defending champions of the TATA IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), have officially begun their preparations for the highly anticipated 18th season of the tournament. With their eyes set on retaining the title, KKR has kicked off an intensive pre-season training camp in Mumbai, set to last from February 21-28, before transitioning to their main preparatory phase in Kolkata next month.

This week-long training program brings together KKR’s core domestic players, allowing them to focus on skill enhancement, match fitness, and team bonding ahead of the upcoming campaign. The squad features nine key players, led by Venkatesh Iyer, along with Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Anukul Roy, and Manish Pandey. Emerging talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who made an impact in IPL 2024, and fresh faces such as Mayank Markande and Luvnith Sisodia are also part of the mix.

The training sessions are being conducted under the watchful eye of head coach Chandrakant Pandit and his expert coaching staff, including bowling coach Bharat Arun, spin coach Carl Crowe, strength & conditioning coach Sagar V, and head physio Prasanth Panchada. The camp involves rigorous strength and conditioning drills, net practice, match simulations, and team-building exercises to ensure the players are in peak form before the season kicks off.

Speaking about the camp, Chandrakant Pandit emphasized the importance of early preparations. “The players who are not engaged in ongoing domestic cricket have joined us for this pre-season training. This is part of our routine every year. The real preparation begins when our international players return post the ICC Champions Trophy, but this camp helps us build a solid foundation. Our core squad remains strong, and with the additions from the auction, we believe we have the right combinations to replicate last season’s success,” he said.

Adding his perspective, spin bowling coach Carl Crowe highlighted the structured approach being followed. “We have lined up multiple net sessions and match simulations to help the squad regain rhythm. It’s great to see some familiar faces alongside exciting new additions. Despite a successful last season, we must continue to evolve and find ways to improve. The energy in the camp is high, and everyone is looking forward to the tournament.”

The full list of domestic players participating in the pre-season training camp includes Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia, Mayank Markande, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. This preparation will be crucial as KKR gears up for their IPL 2025 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the historic Eden Gardens on March 22 exactly one month after the start of the training camp.

KKR: A Global Cricketing Powerhouse

With a legacy of excellence, KKR is one of the most recognizable franchises in T20 cricket, boasting eight championship titles across various leagues. The Knight Riders brand extends beyond the IPL, with franchises in the Caribbean Premier League (TKR), International League T20 (ADKR), and Major League Cricket (LAKR). The team has made four IPL final appearances, securing three titles (2012, 2014, 2024), and was runner-up in 2021 after an incredible comeback season.

The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have established themselves as the most successful franchise in the CPL, clinching four titles in a decade, including a flawless championship run in 2020, where they remained undefeated. The TKR Women's team also made history by winning the inaugural Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) in 2022.

Beyond their franchise achievements, KKR has actively invested in talent development through the Knight Riders Academy, a premier cricketing institution dedicated to nurturing young talent from India and beyond. The academy focuses on year-round skill enhancement, providing cricketers with cutting-edge resources to elevate their game.

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, KKR's meticulous planning and strategic approach reflect their ambition to maintain dominance in the league. With an impressive blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars, the team is gearing up for yet another thrilling season, aiming to defend their crown and add another championship to their already illustrious history.

Stay tuned as KKR prepares to set the stage on fire once again in IPL 2025!