Rebuilding KKR: 5 Players Who Should Make Way for New Talent in IPL 2026

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine for KKR [Source: @KKR_Xtra/x.com]Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine for KKR [Source: @KKR_Xtra/x.com]

Kolkata Knight Riders experienced the highs and lows in IPL 2025. After 13 matches in their campaign, the defending champions have become the fourth team to be eliminated from the tournament. As the management will sit to evaluate their journey in the season, they might that despite flashes of brilliance from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Varun Chakaravarthy, there were individuals who failed to deliver the required performances.

While planning for the future, specifically for a comeback in IPL 2026, here is a look at five players that KKR can release. 

5. Spencer Johnson

Spencer Johnson [Source: @Rokte_Amarr_KKR/x.com]Spencer Johnson [Source: @Rokte_Amarr_KKR/x.com]

Key Stats: 4 matches, 1 wicket, Economy: 11.73, Average: 133.00

Why KKR Should Release Spencer Johnson?

  • Poor wicket-taking ability with just 1 wicket in 4 matches
  • Extremely high economy rate making him a liability in almost all phases of the game
  • Disappointing bowling average of 133.00, far below acceptable standards
  • Takes up a valuable overseas slot that could be better utilized
  • KKR already has more effective pace bowling options

4. Ramandeep Singh

Key Stats: 6 matches, 34 runs, Average: 8.50, Strike Rate: 113.33

Why KKR Should Release Ramandeep Singh?

  • Consistently underperformed despite multiple opportunities in situations where he could have proven himself
  • Failed to provide stability or finishing power in the middle order
  • Below-par strike rate of 113.33 in modern T20 standards
  • Poor average of 8.50 indicates inability to build or sustain innings
  • Better domestic middle-order options available in the auction pool

3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Key Stats: 5 matches, 74 runs, Average: 18.50, Strike Rate: 139.62

Why KKR Should Release Rahmanullah Gurbaz?

  • Failed to provide solid starts despite being selected as a dependable opener
  • Takes up an overseas player slot without sufficient returns
  • Lacked consistency across his 5 appearances
  • Strike rate of 139.62 is modest for an opener in an era where leveraging the powerplay decides the momentum of the game

2. Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh and Rahmanullah Gurbaz [Source: AP Photos]Moeen Ali, Ramandeep Singh and Rahmanullah Gurbaz [Source: AP Photos]

Key Stats: 6 matches, 6 wickets, Economy: 8.50, 5 Runs in 2 innings

Why KKR Should Release Moeen Ali?

  • Limited overall impact despite experienced international status
  • Occupies an overseas slot that could be used for a specialist
  • Redundant role with superior all-rounders like Narine and Russell already in the team
  • Ali's role becomes redundant. KKR would benefit from investing in a specialist bowler or batter instead 

1. Venkatesh Iyer

Key Stats: 7 matches, 142 runs, Average: 20.29, Strike Rate: 139.21

Reasons for Release - 

  • Significant decline in form from his breakout seasons
  • Unable to justify his position as a batting all-rounder with minimal bowling contributions
  • Inconsistent performances with just one notable innings
  • Lower strike rate than expected from a middle-order enforcer
  • Raghuvanshi's emergence makes Iyer's role in the team redundant

Conclusion

Kolkata Knight Riders is franchise of pedigree with three IPL titles under their belt. They are known to make a winning team with utility player rather than superstars. By releasing the five players mentioned, they can free up space and budget to draft in more players of proper use for the different role where they lacked this season.