Three-time Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders have announced their squad for IPL 2026, aiming to stage a strong comeback after a disappointing 2025 campaign. With the retention window closed, KKR have held on to their trusted core featuring Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, all-rounder Sunil Narine, rising pacer Harshit Rana, and strike-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, while reshaping the rest of the squad to address last season's gaps. In a massive move, the side has released its seasoned all-rounder Andre Russell and star player Venkatesh Iyer.
Players Released: Luvnith Sisodia, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya.
Purse Remaining: Rs 64.3 crore
Talking about their retentions, KKR said in a press release, "Reaffirming the team's philosophy of building a cohesive squad by combining promising young players with established international stars, KKR's retentions highlight the franchise's continued commitment to nurturing talent while maintaining a strong competitive edge for the upcoming season."