KKR 2026 Retentions: Released, Retained & Trade Players List ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Published - 15 Nov 2025, 17:28 IST | Updated - 15 Nov 2025, 19:25 IST

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) endured a disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, finishing eighth on the points table. The three-time champions struggled to assert themselves both at home and away, failing to build any consistent momentum throughout the season. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, and with senior players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy in the ranks, KKR expected a far more competitive outing but fell short on multiple fronts.

Although there were brief moments of brilliance, including the impressive effort of bowling out Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk, the team lacked sustained performances. This inconsistency was in stark contrast to their triumphant IPL 2024 campaign, where they lifted the trophy by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The decline in form highlighted issues in team balance, execution under pressure, and the absence of match-winning contributions from their experienced core.

Heading into IPL 2026, KKR are expected to undergo a significant squad revamp. Management is likely to release several underperforming players ahead of the mini-auction while retaining the core group that aligns with their long-term vision.

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