The IPL 2025 auction has brought about significant changes, with teams reevaluating their rosters. Among these shifts, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released two players who have the potential to light up the IPL with their six-hitting prowess: Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer. Now with new teams, these cricketers are poised to continue their legacy of power-hitting, potentially smashing more than 20 sixes each in the upcoming season. Their new chapters with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) respectively, promise not only a change in team colors but also a chance to redefine their impact in the IPL.
Phil Salt – RCB
Phil Salt’s stint with KKR was nothing short of spectacular. As an opener, his aggressive style set the tone for many innings, with a strike rate that belied his international experience. In IPL 2024, Salt scored 435 runs at a staggering strike rate of 182.0, demonstrating his ability to dominate from the outset. His move to RCB, a franchise known for its aggressive batting approach, could see him flourish even more. RCB has always been on the lookout for players who can take the game away from opponents in the powerplay, and Salt’s fearless hitting could be the key. His technique of dispatching balls over the boundary, especially against pace, positions him as a prime candidate to hit over 20 sixes in IPL 2025. His enthusiasm to play alongside Virat Kohli, combined with RCB’s batting-friendly conditions, could see Salt reach new heights in six-hitting.
Shreyas Iyer – PBKS
Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to glory in IPL 2024, is a batsman known for his strategic acumen and explosive power when needed. His release from KKR was surprising, but his acquisition by PBKS for a hefty sum signifies the team’s belief in his capabilities. Iyer’s batting has evolved, particularly in his ability to pace his innings before unleashing a barrage of sixes. His IPL career statistics, including 3,127 runs with a strike rate of 123.75, show a player who can both anchor and accelerate. His move to Punjab Kings offers him a new platform to showcase his six-hitting skills, especially in the middle overs where PBKS has often needed a push. Iyer’s knack for reading the game and picking his moments to attack could see him comfortably cross the 20-sixes threshold in IPL 2025, bringing a new dynamic to PBKS’s batting lineup.
The departure of these players from KKR not only signifies a strategic shift for the franchise but also heralds an exciting phase for both Salt and Iyer. Their new teams provide fresh challenges and opportunities to prove their worth in one of the most competitive cricket leagues in the world.
As IPL 2025 draws closer, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these two cricketers adapt to their new environments. The potential for Salt and Iyer to each hit over 20 sixes isn’t just based on past performances but also on the perfect synergy they might find with their new teams. Their journey from KKR to RCB and PBKS is not just about a change in jerseys; it’s about setting new records and redefining what it means to be a six-hitter in the IPL.
