IPL 2025: Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer headline KKR pre-season camp in Mumbai, New Coaches Involved

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After a triumphant IPL 2024 campaign, Kolkata Knight Riders have set their camp ahead of the IPL 2025.

This preliminary camp, running from February 21 to 28, is designed to bring together the team's domestic core, fostering early momentum before the squad shifts to Kolkata for the main pre-tournament camp in March.

The camp features nine domestic players, including key names such as Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Vaibhav Arora. Emerging talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who made a significant impact in 2024, and newcomers Mayank Markande and Luvnith Sisodia are also part of the preparations.

Under the guidance of head coach Chandrakant Pandit and his support staff, the players are undergoing specialized training sessions encompassing strength and conditioning, skill-based drills, match simulation exercises, and team-building activities.

According to Pandit, the objective is to integrate players who are not engaged in domestic commitments and help them ease into the upcoming season. He emphasized that the real preparation will begin once the entire squad, including international stars returning post the ICC Champions Trophy, gathers for the main camp in Kolkata from March 12. Confident about the team's prospects, Pandit noted that KKR's retained core and new auction acquisitions would provide a strong foundation for another successful season.

Spin bowling coach Carl Crowe echoed Pandit's sentiments, highlighting the significance of match simulations and net sessions during the camp.

"It's great to have both familiar faces and new additions in the mix. We had a fantastic season last year, but it's essential to keep evolving. Everyone is looking forward to another competitive tournament," he remarked.

The coaching setup at the camp also includes bowling coach Bharat Arun, strength & conditioning coach Sagar V, and head physio Prasanth Panchada, ensuring comprehensive training and player fitness management.

KKR will kick off their TATA IPL 2025 campaign with a high-stakes season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22, exactly one month after the conclusion of their initial training phase.

The Knight Riders are also yet to name their captain ahead of the new season. After Shreyas Iyer's departure, they need to name a new captain, with Rinku and Venkatesh leading the contention.