Get rid of aging overseas stars; Key decisions KKR should take before IPL 2026 to reclaim top-spot

Ajinkya Rahane for KKR - (Source: AFP)

Kolkata Knight Riders had a disastrous IPL 2025, where the Ajinkya Rahane-led side finished 8th on the table with just five wins in 14 matches. It was a shocking season for the Knight Riders, as they recently won the title in 2024, ending their 10-year-long trophy drought.

The fans were gutted to see their team's downfall as things started to go downhill from the mega-auction. Meanwhile, this article will shed light on key decisions that will help KKR get back on track.

1. Invest in young overseas talents

Every team is allowed to have a maximum of eight overseas talents in its squad. For KKR, they have Andre Russell, and , who are two of their longest-serving players. 

However, it is time for KKR to free-up their space for young talents. Notably, the Knight Riders have most of their overseas talents who are in the wrong end of their 30s or have retired from international cricket.

Notably, Narine, Russell, and Moeen Ali have retired from international cricket, while Quinton de Kock recently returned from retirement. Further, Anrich Nortje is mostly injured and the only three young and active international overseas stars for KKR are - Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rovman Povell, and Spencer Johnson.

Thus, it is very important for KKR to reevaluate their overseas category for IPL 2026. Let's look at every team's average age of overseas players vs KKR.

2. Release Venkatesh Iyer at any cost

KKR have a long-standing habit of giving a long-rope to players despite struggles. It is a nice gesture, but sometimes the franchise needs to look at the league from a business point of view as well. Thus, it is very important for the Knight Riders to let go off Venkatesh Iyer, whom they bought for 23.75 crores in IPL 2025 mega-auction.

Notably, Iyer joined KKR back in 2021 and took his team to the final that season. The southpaw has performed well in every season but got under the pressure of justifying his price tag last well.

Now, KKR should release Iyer to have 23.75 crores in the mini-auction, which would give them an edge to buy several exciting prospects in the auction.

3. Buy a strong leader in auction or trade window

At present, KKR lack a strong leader. Ajinkya Rahane did well and has a lot of leadership experience in domestic circuits and IPL as well, but the right-handed batter had questionable decisions as a captain last season. The decision to not use Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer with the ball, was questioned and a lot of eyebrows were raised on the batting order as well.

At present, there are reports that the KKR are indeed looking for a new leader, so it is important for them to have a strong captain for IPL 2026.

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