KKR IPL 2026: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have assembled a strong and well-rounded squad for the IPL 2026 season, combining experienced players with exciting newcomers. The three-time champions aim to regain their winning momentum with a mix of proven performers and emerging talent.
Retained core players
KKR retained key players from previous seasons to ensure stability and balance. The retained roster includes Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Ramandeep Singh. These players provide depth in batting, spin expertise, and reliable bowling options.
IPL 2026 Auction: Major buys at the mini-auction
The franchise made headlines at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The standout signing was Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, purchased for a record Rs 25.20 crore, making him the highest-paid overseas player in IPL history. KKR also invested Rs 18 crore in Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana to bolster their bowling attack.
Additional squad inclusions are Finn Allen, Tejasvi Singh, Tim Seifert, Mustafizur Rahman, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Kartik Tyagi, and Daksh Kamra, strengthening both batting and bowling departments and adding versatility to the side.
Squad balance and flexibility
KKR’s 2026 squad blends experience with youth. Batting is anchored by Rahane, Rinku Singh, and Rovman Powell, while all-rounders like Cameron Green and Sunil Narine provide balance. The bowling unit features Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman, Varun Chakravarthy, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Deep, and Vaibhav Arora. Wicketkeeping options include Finn Allen, Tejasvi Singh, and Tim Seifert, ensuring flexibility in the playing XI.
KKR Predicted Playing XI
Tim Seifert (WK), Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Matheesha Pathirana, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana
This combination offers KKR a strong batting lineup, versatile bowling options, and the ability to adapt to different match situations.
IPL 2026: KKR Full Squad
Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Rahul Tripathi, Finn Allen, Tejasvi Singh, Tim Seifert, Cameron Green, Sarthak Ranjan, Daksh Kamra, Prashant Solanki, Matheesha Pathirana, Kartik Tyagi, Mustafizur Rahman, Rachin Ravindra, Akash Deep
Ready to challenge for the title
KKR’s aggressive approach at the auction highlights their intent to compete strongly in IPL 2026. With a balanced squad, star overseas players, and a mix of youth and experience, the team is poised to make a strong impact. Fans will eagerly watch the squad in action when the tournament begins.
