IPL 2026: 4 Teams that could finish in bottom four

3) Kolkata Knight Riders — Grade: C−

How does a franchise that won the IPL in 2024 replace a player who was never just a player?

Andre Russell retired after the 2025 season. In 133 matches for KKR, he scored over 2,400 runs at a strike rate above 170 and took more than 100 wickets. In the 2024 title campaign, he hit 222 runs at a strike rate of 185 and took 19 wickets across 15 matches. That dual contribution cannot be replaced via auction alone.

Cameron Green arrived for ₹25.20 crore, the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history. Green is a legitimate allrounder, but Russell’s value was timing: walking in at the 13th over with 100 needed from 42 balls. Matheesha Pathirana, signed for ₹18 crore on the strength of 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches, was meant to anchor death bowling. Pathirana has modified his action following injury; rhythm remains uncertain. Varun Chakravarthy gives a middle-over wicket-taking option. Rinku Singh is the sole proven death-order finisher.

KKR finished 8th in IPL 2025, a year after winning the title. The 2026 rebuild addressed some gaps. The largest one remains open.