Last Updated: May 25, 2026 03:09 PM
The three-time IPL champions experienced a nightmare season, finishing seventh. They won only 6 of 14 games overall. The star-studded squad collected just 13 points throughout the tournament.
Expectations ran high before the season started with their expensive roster. But the team began winless after the first six games shockingly. A partial turnaround came later but playoff qualification never happened.
Management now faces tough decisions ahead of the 2027 auction. Several underperforming players might get released to rebuild the squad. Four names stand out as likely departures from the franchise.
- Ajinkya Rahane – Age Catches Up
The 37-year-old joined as a late addition batting at the top. Ajinkya Rahane scored 335 runs in 14 innings at 135.08 strike rate. Those numbers aren’t terrible but age becomes a factor clearly.
Captaincy changes might happen with KKR wanting younger leadership options. Rahane’s experience couldn’t translate into consistent match-winning performances unfortunately. The franchise will probably move on from the veteran batsman.
- Cameron Green – Failed Investment
KKR spent a record Rs 25.20 crore buying the Australian all-rounder. Cameron Green managed only 322 runs in 14 innings disappointingly. He took just 7 wickets in 10 matches overall.
That price tag demanded much better returns than he delivered. The investment completely failed justifying itself throughout the season. KKR will likely cut its losses and release him.
- Vaibhav Arora – Expensive Bowling
Vaibhav Arora started as the lead pacer for KKR initially. He grabbed 11 wickets but at an economy rate of 10.26. Those numbers show he has leaked runs consistently every match.
Eventually, management dropped him from the playing eleven completely. His expensive bowling hurt the team during crucial moments regularly. Release seems almost certain for the young pacer.
- Matheesha Pathirana – Injury Woes
The Sri Lankan pacer appeared in just one match total. Matheesha Pathirana bowled only eight deliveries before getting injured. A hamstring problem ruled him out for the entire remaining season.
KKR got almost nothing from this overseas signing unfortunately. His injury history makes him an unreliable option going forward.
