IPL 2025: 5 KKR players who didn't do well, but can be retained for IPL 2026

Spending massive bids in the IPL auction is no guarantee of immediate impact, and Kolkata Knight Riders must have felt that sting bitterly in IPL 2025. In the IPL's harsh auction drama, hope based on potential often comes before glory, and KKR's support for these five might pave the way to another title push. As KKR plan their approach to IPL 2026, below are five marquee Knights whose returns this season fell short, but whose established pedigree and team roles cry out for retention.

1. Venkatesh Iyer

The player who was once praised for his aggressive drives and timely cameos scored only 142 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 139.21 and an average of nearly 20. Far too many times, he could not convert the starts he got, and KKR's middle order struggled to find momentum.

At 30, Venkatesh's uniqueness is putting brute force together with textbook timing. One off-season under the burden of that heavy price tag shouldn't eclipse the 370+ runs and 46.25 average he scored in 2024. Having a clear-cut role—positioning him at No. 3 to stabilise his start-up process—he can get his confidence back and relive the form that turned him into a match-winner.

2. Quinton de Kock

KKR's swashbuckling opener scored 152 runs from 8 innings, with a scorching 97 against Rajasthan, but also suffered several single-figure scores, bringing into doubt his overall consistency. His strike rate of approximately 130 was never helping the team’s or his own cause.

De Kock is still a white-ball wizard whose command over speed and spin forms the backbone of his explosive batting. Minor adjustment, maybe emphasis on rotating strike early and establishing starts at No. 1 can make those 20s flower into 50s, providing the snazzy beginnings KKR's opening line-up yearns for.

3. Andre Russell

The big-hitting Caribbean dynamo yielded 167 runs in 10 innings (average 18.55) and chipped in with 8 wickets at an economy of 11.94, well off his customary destructive standards. The seismic sixes and searing death over yorkers we’ve come to expect were too rare.

Russell's freakish athleticism and raw power are game-breaking when in rhythm. A disrupted preseason and niggling injuries dulled his edge, but once Russell regains timing, he can still single-handedly tip matches. KKR's faith, tempered by a customised workload and rest plan, might again spark his match-winning fireworks.

4. Anrich Nortje

Nortje's unhurried pace yielded only a single wicket in 2 games, going at an eye-watering 11.85 runs an over, comprising over 83 runs in seven overs, before he was gradually dropped from the team.

Real 150 kph heat and late bounce are gems in Indian conditions. The two harsh IPL performances hide his effectiveness shown in foreign leagues. With sharp, short spells—powerplays or two-over death-over spells—and rhythm-building chances in the nets, Nortje can be the strike bowler KKR dreamed of.

5. Ramandeep Singh

Ramandeep's functioning as a lower-middle-order pinch-hitter registered him with only 47 runs from 7 innings, at a mere average of 9.40 and a strike rate of 134.28, with a highest score of 22. His medium-pace bowling went to waste, as he was not asked to bowl in any game.

Just 28 years old and a steal ₹ 4 crore retention price, Ramandeep's raw energy and skiddy medium speed provide dual-utility skills, a KKR jewel. His 2024 sparks (125 runs at SR 201 and a 3/20 best bowling) highlight real potential. With specific batting drills on shot choice and more defined bowling stints in the middle overs, he can become the versatile match-winning sub that converts close games in KKR's direction.

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