Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the two-time IPL champions, endured a rough IPL 2025 campaign, finishing in the bottom half of the table. With a new season on the horizon, the franchise is expected to make major decisions regarding its squad.
From releasing underperformers to retaining key match-winners, KKR’s roadmap for IPL 2026 will shape their title ambitions. Here’s a look at the predicted squad, including possible releases, key retentions, and the playing XI for the upcoming season.
KKR 2026 IPL Squad
Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh , Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Manish Pandey, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Anukul Roy, Luvnith Sisodia, Rovman Powell, Mayank Markande, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Chetan Sakariya
KKR 2026 Players Released
The list of probables likely to be released ahead of IPL 2026 Auction.
- Venkatesh Iyer: Despite being a star in previous seasons, his form has dipped significantly. He scored just 142 runs in 11 matches during IPL 2025 and did not bowl a single over. With a massive price tag of INR 23.75 crore, KKR is likely to let him go to free up budget space.
- Moeen Ali: He is also on the list of probable exits. The veteran all-rounder failed to make a meaningful impact with either bat or ball. In six games, he picked up just six wickets and scored a mere five runs across two innings. Considering the value of overseas slots, KKR might prefer a younger or more consistent option.
- Quinton de Kock: Although the South African wicketkeeper-batter played a few decent knocks, including a 97-run innings, his overall tally of 152 runs in eight matches wasn’t enough to justify a retention.
- Spencer Johnson: The overseas left-arm pacer struggled to find rhythm throughout the season. He managed to take only one wicket in four matches and went at an economy rate of over 11, which puts his position in serious doubt.
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KKR 2026 Player Retentions
Despite a tough season, KKR are expected to retain a solid core group that includes Indian and overseas match-winners.
- Rinku Singh is a sure-shot retention. He remains one of KKR’s most exciting batters, known for his ability to finish games under pressure. Although he had a quiet 2025 season, he remains a fan-favorite and a long-term asset.
- Andre Russell, the powerhouse all-rounder, is another retained player. Despite fitness concerns, his ability to turn games with both bat and ball makes him irreplaceable.
- Sunil Narine, the ever-reliable mystery spinner and pinch-hitting opener, is likely to continue with the squad. His economical spells and versatility with the bat offer KKR great balance.
- Varun Chakravarthy has consistently delivered with the ball, picking up key wickets in the middle overs. His unorthodox spin makes him a valuable asset in Indian conditions.
- Harshit Rana, the young Indian pacer, impressed with his aggressive bowling and wicket-taking ability. With 19 wickets in IPL 2024 and decent showings in 2025, he will be backed further by the management.
KKR 2026 Playing XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Ajinkya Rahane (c)
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
- Vaibhav Arora
- Anrich Notrje
KKR’s expected moves ahead of IPL 2026 hinge on trimming weak links—namely underperforming overseas batsmen and pacers—to make room for more reliable alternatives. Their retained core reflects a balance of power, spin, and pace. The playing XI combines explosive batting with a well-rounded bowling attack, setting up for a strong comeback.
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