KKR retention list 2026: 4 underperformers IPL franchise might not keep for next season

KKR retention list [Source: AFP Photo]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is still months away, but all ten franchises have already finalized their retention list as the teams have to submit a final list by mid-November. The retention deadline day provides an opportunity for all sides to release the unwanted players before the mini auction.

One team that particularly has to utilise the retention list carefully is the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The former champions had a disastrous 2025 season, and ahead of the retention deadline day, here are 4 players the franchise might not retain for next season.

1) Venkatesh Iyer

For some reason, KKR released Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the mega auction and then they decided to rope him in for a whopping 23.75 crore, making him one of the most expensive players in league history. However, the performance didn’t match his price expectations as Venkatesh had a disastrous campaign, and was one of the flops of the IPL 2025 campaign.

(Venkatesh Iyer IPL 2025 stats)

• For someone who was bought for a hefty 23.75 crore, Venkatesh couldn’t repay KKR as he failed to deliver the goods and scored only 142 runs in 11 matches. KKR expected more of him, but Venkatesh had an off-season.
• By releasing him, KKR would get 23.75 crore back in their kitty, and the team can actually buy two solid players in the same price bracket.

2) Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock, the South African, had huge shoes to fill as he was replacing Phil Salt, who had a destructive IPL 2024 season for them. However, the left-handed batter struggled and failed to adapt at the top.

He was expected to give fiery starts to KKR in the power-play, but de Kock couldn’t capitalise on the opportunities he received.

(QDK in IPL 2025)

• Just 152 runs in the tournament with a strike rate of 129 showcased his poor campaign. If KKR releases him, they would free 3.6 crore, and can go after a hard-hitting opener with that money.

3) Anrich Nortje

With Mitch Starc departing, KKR put their faith in Anrich Nortje as the lead pacer of the side, but disaster struck as he failed to take wickets. He played just two matches and picked up a solitary wicket, and conceded runs at almost 12 runs per over. 

He was bought for 6.50 crore, and the pacer only managed to play two matches in the entire campaign. By freeing up 6.50 crore, KKR will look to buy a wicket-taking pacer in their squad for next season.

4) Moeen Ali

Another player who was bought at a hefty price (2 crore), Moeen Ali didn’t contribute much to their campaign, and could be on his way out after a not so promising 2025 season.

(Moeen Ali IPL 2025)

• Moeen Ali scored fewer runs than the number of matches he played, and his strike rate of 35.71 was also questionable. The KKR side could look for a better all-rounder if they release Moeen Ali.

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