As the countdown to the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) begins, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) arrive at the new season carrying one of the league’s most colourful and fluctuating histories, marked by iconic title wins, bold leadership calls, dramatic rebuilds and, most recently, a return to dominance. Since the league’s inception, KKR have embodied unpredictability and flair, evolving from an underperforming side in the early years to a powerhouse capable of producing match-winners across disciplines.
Their transformation began with the Gautam Gambhir era, which delivered two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, redefining the team’s culture around aggression, discipline and tactical clarity. The seasons that followed brought mixed fortunes, with playoff appearances sprinkled between rebuilding phases. From 2015 to 2020, KKR remained competitive but inconsistent, often hovering around the mid-table as they tried to rediscover their title-winning balance.A significant shift came with the emergence of a new leadership and coaching setup, laying the foundation for their remarkable 2024 campaign. That season, KKR’s powerful all-round squad, explosive batting line-up and sharp bowling attack propelled them to the IPL title, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in a commanding final, re-establishing the franchise as a top-tier force.The 2025 season, though filled with intense battles and flashes of brilliance, didn’t replicate the previous year’s highs. KKR experienced ups and downs throughout the tournament, but retained a strong core and continued developing young talent, finishing mid-table and setting the stage for another rebuild.Now, with IPL 2026 on the horizon, KKR enter a crucial phase. Their retention decisions reflect a balanced approach, backing proven match-winners while nurturing the next generation, as they aim to reclaim their crown and push for another deep title run.
Full List of Players Retained by KKR for IPL 2026
Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy
Players Released by KKR Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Markande (traded out).
