The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), one of the most storied franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), faced a challenging 2025 season. As defending champions, their eighth-place finish, with only five wins and a failure to qualify for the playoffs, was a bitter disappointment. Poor resource utilization, both in terms of on-field performance and financial management at the auction, left KKR with a thin bench and underperforming key players. As the IPL 2026 auction looms, KKR must make bold decisions to rebuild their squad for a competitive resurgence. Releasing certain high-profile players, despite their historical contributions or hefty price tags, will be crucial to freeing up funds and creating a balanced, dynamic team. This article delves into three players KKR should consider releasing ahead of the IPL 2026 auction—Venkatesh Iyer, Manish Pandey, and Quinton de Kock—and explores why these moves are essential for the franchise’s future.
The Context of KKR’s 2025 Struggles
KKR’s 2025 campaign was a stark contrast to their championship-winning performance the previous year. Finishing eighth with only five victories, the team struggled with inconsistent performances across batting, bowling, and fielding. Expensive auction purchases limited their ability to maintain a robust bench, leaving them vulnerable to injuries and form slumps. The lack of reliable backups meant that underperforming players often remained in the playing XI, exacerbating the team’s woes. Furthermore, tactical decisions, such as misallocating roles to players or failing to adapt to match situations, compounded their challenges.
The 2025 squad was a mix of marquee names and emerging talents, including Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Luvnith Sisodia, Ajinkya Rahane, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Varun Chakaravarthy, Mayank Markande, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Umran Malik, and Chetan Sakariya. While this roster boasted significant firepower, it lacked cohesion, and several players failed to justify their price tags or roles. With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, KKR must take a hard look at their squad composition, release players who no longer fit their vision, and reinvest in talent that aligns with a long-term strategy.
Player #1: Venkatesh Iyer – A Costly Disappointment
Venkatesh Iyer, acquired for a staggering ₹23.75 crore, was expected to be a cornerstone of KKR’s batting lineup in 2025. However, his performance was underwhelming, to say the least. The left-handed batter managed only 142 runs in 11 matches, averaging a modest 20.29 with a strike rate of 139.22. His solitary fifty in the tournament was a rare highlight in an otherwise lackluster campaign. Once a versatile all-rounder, Venkatesh has ceased bowling at the IPL level, reducing his utility to that of a specialist batter. This shift makes it difficult to justify his massive price tag, as he failed to deliver game-changing performances or demonstrate consistency against varied bowling attacks.
Venkatesh’s struggles in 2025 highlight a broader issue for KKR: over-reliance on players who command significant portions of the auction purse without delivering proportional value. At ₹23.75 crore, Venkatesh consumed a substantial chunk of KKR’s budget, limiting their ability to bolster other areas of the squad, such as death bowling or middle-order depth. His inability to dominate spin or pace, coupled with a lack of adaptability, exposed KKR’s batting frailties in crucial matches. While KKR’s faith in Venkatesh is understandable, given his past contributions—including a standout 2021 season where he played a pivotal role in their finals run—the franchise cannot afford to carry a high-cost, underperforming player into 2026.
Releasing Venkatesh Iyer would free up significant funds, allowing KKR to pursue a more balanced squad. The team could target a top-order batter with a proven track record or an all-rounder capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Alternatively, KKR could look to buy Venkatesh back at a lower price in the IPL 2026 auction, provided he demonstrates improved form in domestic or other franchise leagues. This move would align with KKR’s need to optimize their purse and build a squad capable of competing for the title.
Player #2: Manish Pandey – A Veteran Past His Prime
Manish Pandey, a seasoned campaigner and one of the IPL’s earliest stars, returned to KKR in 2025 as a late auction pick. The 35-year-old batter played three matches, scoring a respectable 92 runs, but his performances underscored a harsh reality: his best days are behind him. While Pandey’s experience and fielding prowess remain valuable, his limited game time and diminishing returns at the crease make him a questionable fit for KKR’s future plans. At this stage of his career, Pandey is unlikely to rediscover the form that once made him a mainstay in India’s white-ball setups and a key figure in KKR’s 2014 title triumph.
KKR’s squad in 2025 was notably top-heavy with experienced batters, which restricted opportunities for younger players like Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who represents the future of the franchise. Raghuvanshi, a promising talent with a flair for aggressive strokeplay, needs consistent game time in his preferred top-order role to develop into a core player. Retaining Pandey, who occupies a similar batting position, risks stifling the growth of such youngsters. Furthermore, Pandey’s age and declining reflexes make him a less viable long-term option compared to emerging talents who can offer dynamism and longevity.
Releasing Pandey would signal KKR’s intent to transition toward a younger, more dynamic squad. The franchise could use the funds saved to invest in a versatile middle-order batter or a specialist finisher capable of complementing the likes of Rinku Singh and Andre Russell. While Pandey’s experience could still be valuable in a mentorship role, his on-field contributions no longer justify a roster spot, especially for a team looking to rebuild after a disappointing season.
Player #3: Quinton de Kock – A Fading Star
Quinton de Kock, the South African wicketkeeper-batter, endured a torrid IPL 2025 campaign with KKR. Signed to anchor the top order, de Kock managed only 152 runs in eight matches, averaging 21.71 with a strike rate of 129.91. These numbers represent one of the worst seasons of his illustrious IPL career, and his struggles culminated in him losing his place in the playing XI. While KKR’s other wicketkeeping options, such as Luvnith Sisodia and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, also faced challenges, de Kock’s underwhelming performance raised questions about his suitability for the franchise moving forward.
De Kock’s struggles in 2025 were not an isolated incident. The 32-year-old, who has retired from international cricket across all formats, has shown signs of decline in recent franchise leagues worldwide. Known for his hand-eye coordination and aggressive strokeplay, de Kock’s inconsistency against quality bowling attacks suggests that his peak years may be behind him. For KKR, who already have Luvnith Sisodia as a wicketkeeping option, retaining de Kock represents a high-risk, low-reward proposition. Sisodia, a younger player with potential, could benefit from greater exposure, while KKR could target a dynamic top-order batter or a specialist wicketkeeper with a higher upside in the 2026 auction.
Releasing de Kock would allow KKR to recalibrate their top-order strategy. The franchise could pursue a younger wicketkeeper-batter, such as an emerging Indian talent or an overseas player in better form, to complement their existing core. Alternatively, KKR could opt for a non-wicketkeeping top-order batter, relying on Sisodia or Gurbaz to handle glovework duties. This move would provide greater flexibility in squad composition and free up resources to address other areas of concern, such as bowling depth or middle-order firepower.
Strategic Implications for KKR
Releasing Venkatesh Iyer, Manish Pandey, and Quinton de Kock would be a bold but necessary step for KKR to address the shortcomings exposed in their 2025 campaign. These moves would free up significant portions of their auction purse, enabling the franchise to target players who better align with their long-term vision. A balanced squad with a mix of youth and experience, coupled with tactical flexibility, is essential for KKR to reclaim their status as IPL contenders.
In the batting department, KKR could prioritize a top-order enforcer capable of providing explosive starts, alongside a reliable middle-order anchor to complement Rinku Singh and Andre Russell. The bowling unit, which showed promise with players like Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy, could benefit from additional depth, particularly in the death overs. Retaining core players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh, while investing in young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Luvnith Sisodia, would provide a strong foundation for the future.
Looking Ahead
The IPL 2026 auction presents KKR with a critical opportunity to reset and rebuild after a lackluster 2025 season. Releasing Venkatesh Iyer, Manish Pandey, and Quinton de Kock, while difficult given their past contributions or reputation, is a pragmatic move to optimize resources and prioritize players who can deliver consistent performances. By focusing on youth, versatility, and strategic acquisitions, KKR can construct a squad capable of challenging for the IPL title in 2026. The road ahead requires tough decisions, but with a clear vision and bold execution, KKR can return to their winning ways and rekindle the passion of their loyal fanbase.
