Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the most celebrated franchises in the Indian Premier League, have seen their share of highs and lows since their debut in 2008. With three titles to their name and a passionate fan base, KKR entered the IPL 2025 as defending champions, aiming to replicate their success from the previous year. However, their campaign did not go as planned, finishing eighth on the points table, an unexpected fall for a team known for its consistency and flair.
Following the disappointing season, the franchise is now planning major changes to rebuild a strong unit for the IPL 2026. The management is reportedly looking to bring in fresh faces and new energy while freeing up funds by releasing a few underperforming players. Though a complete overhaul seems unlikely, a few big names could be on the list of potential exits before the upcoming mini auction.
1. Quinton de Kock (South Africa):
Among the players who may face the axe is South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock who struggled to make an impact this season. He scored just 152 runs in eight matches at an average of 21.71, which fell short of expectations considering his experience and price tag of ₹3.6 crore. His release would free up a significant chunk of the purse for the franchise.
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan):
Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz also endured a difficult season, managing only 74 runs in five games at an average below 20. Bought for ₹2 crore, his performance did not justify his potential as an explosive opener. If both Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are released, KKR would already have over ₹5 crore available for new signings.
3. Venkatesh Iyer (India):
Another major concern is Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer who managed only 142 runs across seven matches. Having been bought back for a staggering ₹23.75 crore after being released before the 2025 auction, his form has not matched the investment and the team might now rethink his inclusion.
4. Spencer Johnson (Australia):
Australian pacer Spencer Johnson could also be on the release radar after taking just one wicket in four games while conceding heavily with an economy rate of over 11. He was bought for ₹2.8 crore in the previous auction.
5. Rovman Powell (West Indies):
West Indies power-hitter Rovman Powell also failed to deliver, scoring only five runs in two matches despite being seen as a strong middle-order option. His contract worth ₹1.5 crore may also be reconsidered.
Apart from these, players like Chetan Sakariya, Anrich Nortje, Anukul Roy and Ramandeep Singh could also be released to create more room for strategic buys.
While Kolkata Knight Riders’ core group is likely to stay intact, the management is expected to strike a balance between experience and emerging talent as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the next season. The focus now shifts to how effectively they can rebuild and return stronger in the IPL 2026.
