With the retention regulations for IPL 2025 now out and BCCI releasing the deadline for finalizing their retentions, much has been discussed over the players franchises like KKR and MI will retain, given the abundance of options in their arsenal. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his thoughts on what KKR ought to do regarding their retentions, with retention of the skipper Shreyas Iyer stressing one of the crucial decisions to be made. He also expressed views about the strategy that KKR could follow while using the Right To Match card mode. Also Read | 'I’m slightly worried about how the West Indian fans are going to accept me,' – Jacob Bethell on his Return to West Indies "You cannot do what you did with Morgan. He led the side to the final, but was released later and KKR struggled in the next 2-3 seasons. Retain Iyer first and let him continue as captain. After that, (think of) Phil Salt, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine. These 3-4 players, they will have to retain. Two players need to let be out in the auction and bring them back from there," stated Kaif, in a discussion with Star Sports. Kaif also justified why he feels Iyer should be the first player to be retained. He opined that the franchise should be prepared to look over his poor batting form and give more weightage to his leadership skills. “When a team wins and becomes a champion, then you want the main players to continue playing for the team. So, they would want to retain the maximum number of players, use RTM on a few and also buy fewer players in the auction. Talking about Iyer's batting, he may not play that well. But about his role as a captain, to lead the team to the title is a big thing. I think he has improved as a captain, he is getting better. If he can manage so many players and win you the trophy, then he deserves to be the first (to be retained),” added Kaif.