Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been the most active franchise since the end of IPL 2025 in getting their squad revamped ahead of IPL 2026. The franchise finished eighth in the last edition.
KKR’s graph in the IPL went down drastically since they won their third IPL title in 2024. Everything changed for them ahead of the start of IPL 2025. They chose to make the wrong investments and went ahead with Ajinkya Rahane as the captain.
The move did not work out as expected. However, Rahane flourished with the bat at the top, scoring 390 runs for the franchise at a strike rate of almost 150.
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KKR Keen On Acquiring KL Rahul Via Trade
Meanwhile, as per reports in The Times of India, KKR are eyeing to get KL Rahul from Delhi Capitals on trade. The move can be made thinking about his long-term prospects as captain with the franchise. Rahul can solve multiple problems for the franchise if they are able to acquire his services.
He can be their captain, their opener and also their keeper all in one. KKR have struggled with their opening partnerships from 2022 to 2025, barring their title-winning season, and Rahul can definitely give the team some stability and consistency at the top.
KKR recently parted ways with their former coach Chandrakant Pandit. That was followed by the franchise releasing bowling coach Bharat Arun, who has joined LSG as their bowling coach.
There are rumours brewing all over social media that former KKR skipper Eoin Morgan might join the team as the head coach ahead of the new season, while the franchise might target Dale Steyn as the bowling coach.
Also Read: IPL 2026: Bharat Arun Joins LSG As Bowling Coach After Parting Ways With KKR
KKR Struggled Managing Chandrakant Pandit As Head Coach
Managing Chandrakant Pandit before KKR’s title-winning season in 2024 and in 2025 was one of the challenges the franchise faced. Fans were unhappy with his coaching style and criticised him for being old-fashioned with his methods and not understanding the pulse of T20 cricket.
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