After a near-spotless season last year where they lost just three matches and clinched the IPL crown after a decade, the Kolkata Knight Riders will be aiming to replicate their winning formula once again. However, with key departures from both the squad and management, settling into a new rhythm might take some time.
Leading the charge this season is their new and somewhat unexpected captain, Ajinkya Rahane, chosen for his experience over the youthful exuberance of Venkatesh Iyer, who was acquired for a staggering ₹23.75 crore. As always, KKR will be banking on their seasoned match-winners, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, to deliver when it matters most.
But do they have the depth and firepower in their arsenal to defend their crown? Let’s take a look at five key players who could shape their campaign this season.
Venkatesh Iyer
Acquired for a record ₹23.75 crore, Venkatesh Iyer would look to repay the immense faith that the KKR management has shown in him since his debut in 2020. The management has played a smart hand by not giving him the captaincy, keeping him free to go hammer and tongs just like in their title-winning season last year, where he scored 370 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 158.
Ajinkya Rahane
By appointing Ajinkya Rahane as skipper, the management has made a bold choice, prioritising experience over the relative freshness of Iyer. Rahane is coming off a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, where he amassed 469 runs at a staggering strike rate of 164. His resurgence at CSK, where he scored 568 runs at a strike rate of 147 as their enforcer at No. 3, showcased his adaptability and class. Now, as he finds himself on the fringes of the Indian national team, Rahane will feel that he has a point to prove.
Rinku Singh
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Now a regular in India’s T20I setup, Singh will be eager to rediscover his form after an underwhelming season last year. Limited opportunities and a lower batting position meant he faced just 113 deliveries, scoring 168 runs; far from his true potential. With Shreyas Iyer’s departure from the middle order, Rinku is likely to shoulder more responsibility, an opportunity he should embrace. If used judiciously by the management, he can be the trump card for the Knights this season.
Varun Chakaravarthy
Chakaravarthy's stock has soared over the past few months, cementing his reputation as a world-class spinner. Fresh off a stellar Champions Trophy, where he was India’s highest wicket-taker and a nightmare for opposition batters, Chakaravarthy will be keen to replicate that success in the IPL. Last season, his performance was crucial for KKR, picking up 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8. Teaming up with fellow spinner Sunil Narine, he will be a key weapon in KKR’s arsenal, and will be looking to stamp his authority as one of India’s premier spin bowlers.
Sunil Narine
A mainstay since his dazzling 2011 debut, he remains a crucial cog in the KKR machinery. Last season, he delivered an all-time great performance—488 runs at a strike rate of 180.74 and 17 wickets with an economy of 6.69. The management will be counting on him to provide those explosive starts once again. Beyond his batting exploits, he remains a key figure in KKR’s enigmatic spin duo with Chakaravarthy. Another impactful season may just elevate Narine to the upper echelons of T20 cricket; as one of the greats to have ever played the format.