IPL 2026 KKR Retained and Released Players List: 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders will look to get back on the pedestal once again after their fairly ordinary performance last year which saw them failing to even qualify for the play-offs.
With rumour mills circulating on Kolkata looking for wicketkeeper, captain and big-name Indian batsman, they are being constantly linked with Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson and Delhi Capitals’ KL Rahul. Both of these look difficult with Samson almost certain to join Chennai Super Kings and the DC are unlikely to part ways with Rahul, a player they just bought in the mega auctions last year.
They are also reportedly going after Cameron Green and look pretty likely to let go of last year’s skipper Ajinkya Rahane and the Rs 23.75 crore buy Venkatesh Iyer, who didn’t live up to his price tag. For Iyer, KKR might even look to buy him back from the auction pool at a lower price. The Purple and Gold brigade might also part ways with experienced Windies power-hitter Andre Russell who has been a KKR player for around 10 years.
What are the rules of IPL retentions?
When there is a mega auction, there is a limit to the number of players, be it overseas or the Indians, that the squads can retain. But this time around, as it is not a mega auction, teams can retain around as many players as they wish to. Despite the flexible rules, the franchises need to have 25 players, and the purse for each franchise will be around 120 crores.
List of players retained by Kolkata Knight Riders
To be revealed shortly
List of players released by Kolkata Knight Riders
To be revealed shortly
