3 Kolkata Knight Riders players who might be benched in IPL 2026

1. Rachin Ravindra (Batting all-rounder)

Rachin Ravindra was signed by KKR for his base price of INR 2.00 crore. A bonafide batting sensation, who is handy with his left-arm spin, Rachin is yet to find the knack for T20 cricket with his batting. He had an impressive T20 World Cup recently, but it was his bowling that stood out more than his batting in the twenty-team tournament.

KKR are more likely to favour the attacking intent of the likes of Finn Allen and Tim Seifert at the top and Ajinkya Rahane, the captain, finding a place at No. 3, while big-money signing Cameron Green is expected to start in the middle order. With able Indian batting in between, Rachin finds himself without a clear place in the team. He could be an able backup for Sunil Narine with his bowling, but ahead of him in the pecking order stands Anukul Roy, a domestic option which would be favoured.