After a decade-long wait, the Kolkata Knight Riders finally reclaimed the IPL trophy last season with a dominant campaign. Despite the departure of their title-winning captain and coach, KKR will be determined to script history by becoming only the third team—after CSK in 2011 and MI in 2020—to successfully defend their championship.
Squad
Ajinkaya Rahane (C), Quinton de Kock (WK) , Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh,Angkerish Raguvanshi, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakarwarthhy, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Vaibav Arora, Ankul roy , Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Moeen Ali, Rovman Powell, Luvnith Sisodia (WK) , Myanak Markande
Probable XII
- Sunil Narine
- Quinton Dekock (WK)
- Ajinkaya Rahane (C)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Rinku Singh
- Ramandeep Singh
- Andre Russell
- Harshit Rana
- Varun Chakarwarthy
- Spencer Johsnon
- Vaibav Arora
Key Players
Sunil Narine
A key factor in KKR’s success last season was the explosive starts provided by Phil Salt and Sunil Narine at the top of the order. With Salt absent this year, KKR will look to Narine to shoulder greater responsibility in setting the tone. Additionally, they will rely on him to continue weaving his magic with the ball, a role he has mastered over the years.
Varun Chakarwarthy
Varun Chakaravarthy has been nothing short of exceptional over the past 12 months, marking a remarkable redemption arc after being unfairly scapegoated for India’s group-stage exit in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Arguably the best white-ball spinner during this period, he has consistently delivered match-winning performances, reaffirming his value on the big stage.
Strengths
Spin Bowling
Just like last season, KKR’s biggest weapon with the ball will be their formidable spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy. The pair wreaked havoc last year, with Narine claiming 17 wickets at an average of 21.65 and Chakaravarthy leading the charts with 21 wickets at an average of 19.14. KKR will be hoping both spinners remain available for the full season and continue their match-winning exploits.
Death overs batting
Last season, KKR were the second-fastest scoring team in the death overs, maintaining an impressive run rate of 11.55 RPO—just behind RCB’s 11.75 RPO. With their explosive lower-order batters retained, KKR will aim to replicate their dominance in the final phase once again this season.
Weaknesses
Fast Bowling
KKR’s fast-bowling unit presents an intriguing mix of potential and uncertainty. While Spencer Johnson and Harshit Rana appear exciting prospects on paper, they lack significant experience at this level. Vaibhav Arora also remains relatively untested, making it crucial for Harshit Rana to step up and lead the pace attack.
Top Order
With concerns surrounding the form of KKR’s entire top three—captain Ajinkya Rahane, veteran Quinton de Kock, and Sunil Narine—the top order will be under immense pressure to deliver consistently throughout the season. Their performances could be crucial in determining KKR’s success in the campaign.
Fixtures
March 22: KKR vs RCB
March 26: RR vs KKR
March 31: MI vs KKR
April 03: KKR vs SRH
April 06: KKR vs LSG
April 11: CSK vs KKR
April 15: PBKS vs KKR
April 21: KKR vs GT
April 26: KKR vs PBKS
April 29: DC vs KKR
May 04: KKR vs RR
May 07: KKR vs CSK
May 10: SRH vs KKR
May 17: RCB vs KKR
With most of their core squad intact, KKR will be aiming for their fourth IPL title this season. Backed by a formidable spin attack and a powerful middle order, they enter the tournament as one of the favorites. However, their title ambitions could hinge on their fast-bowling unit stepping up when it matters most.
