The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) endured a frustrating IPL 2026 season, finishing seventh in the standings with only six victories from their 14 league matches. After entering the tournament with high expectations and a squad packed with proven match-winners, KKR failed to find consistency and missed out on the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
While the team showed glimpses of improvement during the latter half of the campaign, several expensive signings and fringe players failed to justify their places in the squad. With IPL 2027 preparations expected to begin soon, the franchise could look to free up valuable purse space and create room for fresh additions. Here are five players who might be released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the next season.
5 players who might get released by KKR ahead of IPL 2027
1) Matheesha Pathirana
KKR invested heavily in Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana, securing his services for a whopping ₹18 crore. However, the move failed to deliver the desired results as injuries once again disrupted the pacer’s campaign. Pathirana featured in only one match during IPL 2026 and bowled just eight deliveries before suffering a hamstring injury.
He was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. While there is no doubt regarding his ability as a death-over specialist, his recurring fitness concerns could force KKR to reconsider such a massive investment. Releasing him would immediately provide the franchise with significant financial flexibility heading into IPL 2027.
2) Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra arrived at KKR as a highly-rated overseas option, but the New Zealand all-rounder never got an opportunity to showcase his abilities during the season. With Finn Allen, Cameron Green and several Indian batting options ahead of him in the pecking order, Ravindra spent the entire campaign on the bench. Although he was acquired at his base price of ₹2 crore, KKR may decide to release him and target a more specialized T20 player who better suits their squad balance and overseas combination.
3) Ramandeep Singh
Ramandeep Singh struggled to make a significant impact whenever opportunities came his way during IPL 2026. The all-rounder managed only limited contributions with the bat and failed to establish himself as a reliable sixth bowling option. In six appearances, Ramandeep scored runs at a strike rate of just 120.58, hitting only eight fours and two sixes. His inability to provide consistent finishing power or contribute regularly with the ball could prompt KKR to move on and invest in a more dynamic Indian all-rounder ahead of next season.
4) Tejasvi Dahiya
KKR made a bold investment by signing uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tejasvi Dahiya for ₹3 crore. However, the youngster played only two matches during the season and managed just 12 runs. Most of his appearances came due to injury-related absences in the squad, and he remained on the fringes throughout the tournament. Given the premium amount spent on him and his limited role within the setup, Dahiya could be among the players released as KKR look to optimize their purse ahead of IPL 2027.
5) Tim Seifert
New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert entered IPL 2026 with strong credentials following an impressive T20 World Cup campaign. However, his performances failed to match expectations. Seifert scored only 19 runs in three matches and struggled to make an impact at the top of the order. Once Allen reclaimed his place and cemented the opening role, Seifert found himself out of contention. With Allen likely to remain KKR’s preferred opening option and other overseas players competing for spots, Seifert could be released ahead of the next auction.
Major squad reshuffle could be on the cards
KKR’s management is expected to undertake a detailed review of their IPL 2026 campaign before finalizing plans for next season. While the franchise is likely to continue building around key players such as Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Green and Allen, several peripheral members of the squad could make way for new signings.
The primary objective for Kolkata ahead of IPL 2027 will be strengthening their fast-bowling department, improving middle-order firepower and ensuring better squad depth. Releasing underperforming players and expensive investments that failed to deliver could help the Knight Riders create the flexibility required to mount a stronger challenge next season.
