After a disappointing IPL 2025 (IPL 2026) campaign, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) champions in 2024 are ready to rebuild and fight again. The team finished eighth last season, winning only five out of 14 matches. A change in captaincy, out-of-form batters, and inconsistent performances made the season one to forget.
1. Luke Wood: Adding New Firepower to the Pace Attack
England’s Luke Wood could be a smart pick for KKR. With over 210 wickets in 199 T20 matches and an economy rate of 8.42, he brings swing, variation, and experience across leagues like the PSL, ILT20, and BPL.
His ability to swing the ball both ways — especially the inswinger to right-handers — gives KKR a useful weapon.
Though he got limited opportunities at Mumbai Indians in 2024, KKR could offer him a bigger role.
2. Tom Banton: The Wicketkeeping Solution?
Once seen as England’s next T20 superstar, Tom Banton has returned to form. Across leagues like the ILT20 and Vitality Blast, he has scored 4700+ runs with a strike rate close to 144.
KKR struggled heavily in the wicketkeeper-batter position due to the failures of Gurbaz and de Kock.
Banton’s ability to play spin and accelerate in the middle overs makes him a strong option.
He was part of KKR in the 2020–21 seasons, and a return could see a more mature version of him.
3. Prithvi Shaw: Aggression in the Powerplay
Despite going unsold in IPL 2025, Prithvi Shaw has rediscovered form in domestic cricket, scoring back-to-back centuries in the Buchi Babu tournament.
KKR’s opening woes were a major weakness last season. Shaw’s 1892 IPL runs and 147+ strike rate make him a dangerous powerplay striker.
With Ajinkya Rahane’s future uncertain, KKR may look to rebuild their top order around Shaw.
4. Cameron Green: The Successor to Andre Russell?
As Andre Russell approaches the twilight of his career, KKR may eye Australia’s Cameron Green as the long-term replacement.
Across stints with RCB and Mumbai Indians, Green has produced 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 matches.
If KKR releases big contracts like Venkatesh Iyer and Anrich Nortje, they can free up nearly 30 crore, giving them the financial space to target Green.
His flexibility in the batting order and ability to bowl key overs make him a potential superstar all-rounder for the franchise.
The upcoming trade window presents KKR with a golden opportunity. bSmart recruitment, strategic investments, and the right mix of youth and experience could give the franchise the balance it lacked last season. If their plans work out, the Knight Riders could be back in the championship race as early as the 2026 season.