As the countdown to the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) begins, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) enter the new season with one of the league’s most colorful and volatile histories, marked by iconic title wins, bold management challenges, dramatic rebuilds and most recently a return to dominance. Since the inception of the league, KKR has embodied the unpredictability and flair that evolved from an underperforming side in the early years to a force capable of producing match-winners across disciplines.
IPL 2026 retained players: Who stayed where and for how much
Their transformation began with the Gautam Gambhir era, which produced two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, redefining the team’s culture around aggression, discipline and tactical clarity. The seasons that followed saw mixed fortunes, with playoff appearances between rebuilding phases. From 2015 to 2020, KKR remained competitive but inconsistent, often hovering around mid-table as they attempted to rediscover their title-winning balance.A significant shift has come with the emergence of new management and coaching that has laid the foundation for their remarkable 2024 campaign. That season, KKR’s strong all-rounders, explosive batting line-up and crisp bowling attack propelled them to the IPL title, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in a commanding final, re-establishing the franchise as a top-tier powerhouse.The 2025 season, while full of intense battles and flashes of brilliance, did not repeat the highs of the previous year. KKR had their ups and downs during the tournament but retained a strong core and continued to develop young talent, finishing mid-table and setting the stage for another rebuild.Now, with IPL 2026 on the horizon, KKR is entering a crucial phase. Their retention decisions reflect a balanced approach, supporting proven match-winners while nurturing the next generation aiming to reclaim their crown and push for another deep title run.
Complete 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 (replaced).
