The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are one of the most loved and followed teams in IPL history. They have won three IPL trophies so far. They are the third-most successful team in the league and are only behind the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings.
KKR first tasted glory by beating CSK in a thrilling final in 2012. They lifted the trophy again by defeating Kings XI Punjab in 2014.
After a long wait, they were back at the top in 2024, where they won their third IPL title by beating Sunrisers Hyderabad. Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of KKR’s toughest seasons in the subsequent season.
The same team that had lifted the trophy the previous year suddenly looked lost. It was painful to watch for every KKR fan who had celebrated their triumph just a year ago.
KKR has a golden opportunity to start fresh in the upcoming season, and they will have to make the right decisions, with the mini-auction ahead. They need to rebuild wisely such that they wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes.
They will keep the key overseas players Here are three overseas players KKR must retain before IPL 2026.
1. Sunil Narine
When you talk about KKR, the first name that comes to mind is Sunil Narine. He has been with the franchise for over a decade. The Caribbean has been a part of KKR’s identity. He weaved the magic with the ball, thanks to his mystery spin, which has won countless games.
Apart from his bowling credentials, Narine is best known for his aggressive batting at the top. He has given KKR some of their fastest starts. His partnership with Varun Chakravarthy remains one of the strongest spin duos in the IPL.
Age might not be on his side, but his experience and loyalty are priceless. Letting him go would be like losing a piece of their heart.
2. Andre Russell
If Narine is KKR’s calm strength, Andre Russell is their raw fire. He is a one-man army who can change the course of a match in a matter of minutes with his brutal batting. When Russell is on song, there is no stopping him as he can clear the ground with relative ease.
KKR showed their trust in him by retaining him for INR 12 crore before IPL 2025, and the trust remains the same. Yes, injuries have sometimes held him back, but Russell’s impact is still unmatched. His quick 30s or 40s can completely shift momentum, and his presence alone gives KKR belief.
Russell is not just a player; he is an emotion. Managing his fitness will be key, but parting ways with him would be a mistake.
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3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
The third overseas player who is worth keeping is Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He may not have had a standout season in 2025, but he has got a lot of potential. Rahmanullah is young, fearless, and explosive and is exactly the kind of player KKR can build around.
Gurbaz attacks from the first ball, which helps the team set the tone for the innings. Apart from that, he is sharp, vocal, and adds value behind the stumps. At a price of just ₹2 crore, he’s a bargain in today’s T20 world. With a bit more backing and confidence, he can easily turn into one of KKR’s consistent performers.
He doesn’t need to be a superstar yet; he just needs time. Many KKR legends started small before becoming big. Gurbaz could be the next one if the team believes in him.
