After a dismal IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders are planning big changes for 2026. Word is they will release players who didn’t deliver and keep the ones who can win matches.
Here’s an early look at their squad, who they might release, who they’ll keep and the starting eleven for next 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
Read Also:- Mumbai Indians IPL 2026: Predicted Best Playing XI
KKR 2026 Players Released
Here’s who might get cut before IPL 2026 auction:
- Venkatesh Iyer: He used to be a star but his performance has dipped. He scored 142 runs in 11 games in IPL 2025 and didn’t bowl at all. With his big price tag, KKR will probably release him to free up some cash.
- Moeen Ali: He’s also on his way out. The experienced all-rounder didn’t really make an impact with either his batting or bowling. He took 6 wickets and scored 5 runs in 6 games. KKR might prefer a younger or more reliable player for an overseas spot.
- Quinton de Kock: The South African keeper had a few good innings, like a 97-run showing, but his 152 runs in 8 games weren’t enough to keep him around.
- Spencer Johnson: The left-arm overseas bowler had trouble finding his rhythm. He took 1 wicket in 4 games and had a high economy rate, making his spot uncertain.
KKR 2026 Player Retentions
Even after a bad season, KKR should keep a good set of players, both Indian and overseas:
- Rinku Singh: He’s staying. He’s one of KKR’s best batsmen and can finish games under pressure. Even though he was quiet in 2025, fans love him and he’s a good long-term pick.
- Andre Russell: The big-hitting all-rounder is another who will be retained. Despite some fitness issues, he can change games with his batting and bowling, so he’s a must-have.
- Sunil Narine: The reliable spinner and opener will probably stay. His cheap bowling and batting gives KKR stability.
- Varun Chakravarthy: He gets important wickets in the middle overs. His unusual spin is valuable in Indian conditions.
- Harshit Rana: The young Indian bowler impressed with his aggressive style and wicket-taking ability. With 19 wickets in IPL 2024 and decent performances in 2025, the team will back him.
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 Nortje
The IPL 2026 runs by KKR for plans are on laying a lot of stress on cutting loose the weak links- that is, by and large, the overseas batsmen and bowlers who do not pull their weight-so as to bring in those players who deliver. From the group they maintain as a core, it should be well balanced in terms of power, spin, and pace. Explosive batsmen and balanced bowling attacks in the hands of the starting eleven can make it a good return from the past.
