KKR had won the title in 2024, but the next year was nothing short of challenge for the team. Then skipper Shreyas Iyer was let go, and it just took away their mojo too. With just 5 wins in the entire season, they finished a lowly 8th on the points table, and there was not much to talk about the performance, thereafter.
After the lapse, they let go some major names — Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell (retired), Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. In return, at the IPL 2026 auction, they got the likes of Cameron Green, Finn Allen, Matheesha Pathirana and Rachin Ravindra.
Now, all that done, KKR have to come up with their strongest playing XI for IPL 2026. In that, they have to also factor in, which players will replace the injured/recovering duo of Harshit Rana and Pathirana. Insidesport takes a look at the XI.
Sunil Narine out of opening slot, Rahane-Allen to open
It is high time that KKR look beyond Sunil Narine as the opener. Yes, when it clicked, it can be called a masterstroke, but when it doesn’t it can prove too costly for the team. Last year, in 12 matches, he scored 246 runs at an average of 22 and a strike-rate of 170. For now Ajinkya Rahane-Finn Allen look like the better combination.
Too much action to miss even a frame pic.twitter.com/sxQDlsAUP1
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 25, 2026Last year he scored 390 runs including three fifties, where his strike rate was at 147. Meanwhile, Allen at the top can be a total game-changer for Kolkata. At BBL this year, he scored 466 runs in 11 matches, where he averaged over 42 and the strtike-rate was up at 184.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi & Cameron Green to follow
Raghuvanshi is yet to set the IPL stage on fire, but it looks like the KKR management has a lot of trust on his capabilities. In a practice match on March 20, he went on to slam a ton in only 55 deliveries. That is a good start for sure. He has been regularly upping his keeping capabilities as well. As far as his IPL record in 2025 is concerned, in 12 matches he scored 300 runs at an average of 33, and a strike rate of 139.
Cameron Green, their most expensive buy comes in next. There are clouds over his bowling contribution, but who cares, if he can deliver with the bat. In 29 matches in the IPL, he has scored 707 runs, including a ton and two fifties, at a strike rate of 153.
Anukul Roy a must-have
There is no way KKR can keep all-rounder Anukul Roy out. In a breakthrough SMAT season for Jharkhand, he scored 303 runs in 11 matches, with 95 as his highest. He got those at a strike rate of 160. On bowling front he bagged 18 wickets, where his economy was only 7.41.
Blessing Muzarabani only reliable pacer choice
Out of the pacers out injured, and the fit ones, Zimbabwe’s Muzarabani looks like the only sane choice. He can create an awkward angle with his height and pace.. In 137 T20 games, he has 155 wickets to his name, at an economy of 7.35. The depleted pace-battery would also include Vaibhav Arora and all-rounder Ramandeep Singh.
Strongest KKR playing XI for IPL 2026
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