KKR Might Release These Five Players Before IPL 2026 Auction. Kolkata finished 8th in the league stage of IPL 2025. Now, the franchise looks to build a better composition for the 2026 season. Now, with resurrection and planning in mind, KKR may let go of some players who have failed to perform or meet the evolving strategy. So, here are five players who might be released:
1. Venkatesh Iyer (India, all-rounder)
After re-signing Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore in the auction, the expectations of KKR were pretty high. But he failed to meet those expectations. In the Indian Premier League 2025, he scored 142 runs in 11 matches, with a top score of 60 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Such inconsistency from the top order may prompt KKR to reconsider including him in the squad.
2. Ramandeep Singh (India, Middle-Order Batter)
Ramandeep Singh is one of those retained by KKR just before the 2025 season, having played 31 IPL matches thus far and scoring 217 runs, averaging 19.73, while his highest score is merely 35. In IPL 2025, his impact was hardly felt in the middle order. KKR might just want to release him in pursuit of a steadier middle-order prospect.
Also Read: Mumbai Indians Might Release These Five Players Before IPL 2026 Auction
3. Spencer Johnson (Australia, Fast Bowler with Left Arm)
Bought for ₹2.80 crore, Spencer Johnson made his IPL 2025 debut by playing 9 matches and taking 5 wickets with an average of 56.80 and an economy rate of 10.39. His best performance in bowling was capturing 2 wickets for 25 runs. Considered to be expensive with a few wickets, KKR can probably look to release him and bring down the bowling options to stronger men.
4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan, Wicketkeeper-Batter)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was bought back by KKR for ₹2 crore in the 2025 auction. He played five innings in IPL 2025 and scored 74 runs, with a top score of 35 against the Rajasthan Royals. He could be released by KKR, considering his patchy form coupled with the competition for the wicketkeeper-batter slot, which favors more reliable options.
5. Moeen Ali (England, All-Rounder)
Moeen Ali had limited involvement with KKR during the 2025 season. He played only two matches in IPL 2025 and made five runs at an average of 2.5 and a strike rate of 35.7. With such little impact on both his batting and bowling, KKR might consider releasing him to make room for more impactful overseas players.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Historic Road To The Final
As KKR looks into the future ahead, these possible player releases reflect the team management’s ambition to strengthen and build a competitive outfit in the IPL. Though difficult, these decisions are required to foster better performances and to regain their winning status in the IPL.
