IPL 2026: 3 Changes KKR Needs to Make to Win the Title

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) entered IPL 2025 aiming to defend the title they won in 2024. However, the season turned out to be a forgettable one as they finished eighth on the points table. KKR managed just 12 points from 14 games, with a net run rate of -0.305.

The absence of Gautam Gambhir as mentor and Shreyas Iyer as captain made a noticeable difference, which was evident in their performance and overall approach. Ahead of IPL 2026, KKR needs to make key changes to bring smiles back to the faces of their fans.

Here are the three changes KKR needs to make to win IPL 2026:

Using Venkatesh Iyer as an Opener

At the IPL 2025 mega auction, KKR made headlines by buying Venkatesh Iyer for a whopping INR 23.75 crore. He was later named the vice-captain, but his performance was underwhelming. Iyer scored only 142 runs in seven innings, including one fifty, as he was mostly used in the middle order, typically at No. 4.

The idea seemed to be that Iyer could provide stability, but he struggled in that role. Meanwhile, KKR used Sunil Narine as an opener alongside Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, but that combination didn’t consistently click either.

Going forward, KKR should move Iyer back to the top of the order where he originally made his name. Utilising him during the powerplay, when fielding restrictions are in place, could help him rediscover his form and impact. Persisting with him in the middle order despite poor returns proved to be a tactical error.

Having Better Overseas Pace Bowling Options

In their 2024 title-winning season, KKR had the services of Mitchell Starc. However, they chose not to retain or re-sign him for IPL 2025. Instead, they brought in Spencer Johnson and Anrich Nortje as overseas pace options—but both failed to deliver.

Johnson managed just one wicket in four matches, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.73. Nortje also took only one wicket in two games while leaking 83 runs. This area of concern needs immediate attention, and KKR must look to bring in more reliable and consistent overseas fast bowlers who can contribute both with wickets and economy.

Providing Chances to Emerging Talents

Despite repeated failures, KKR stuck with the same middle-order combination of Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ramandeep Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh. This stubbornness frustrated many fans who were hoping to see fresh faces being given opportunities.

Talented domestic players like Luvnith Sisodia were left on the bench, and their inclusion could have brought much-needed energy and change—something that worked well for CSK when they introduced young players midway through the season. Injecting fresh talent could give KKR a boost in form and morale going into the 2026 season.

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