The Kolkata Knight Riders franchise has entertained cricket fans since the first IPL season in 2008. Three championship trophies and countless thrilling matches define their legacy. The team philosophy centers on blending raw talent with seasoned professionals.
IPL 2026 represents a fresh start for KKR after a difficult eighth-place finish last year. The management responded with aggressive moves at the mini auction. A carefully assembled squad now carries the hopes of millions of Knight Riders supporters.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Owner’s Information
The franchise operates under Knight Riders Sports Private Limited. Shah Rukh Khan holds a 55% stake in the ownership through his company, Red Chillies Entertainment. The Mehta Group, represented by Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, controls the remaining 45%.
This ownership combination has stayed together since day one in 2008. Their unity and clear direction have transformed KKR into a global sports brand. The Knight Riders name now represents cricket teams across the Caribbean, UAE, and United States.
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad for IPL 2026
The IPL 2026 mini auction in Abu Dhabi saw KKR arrive with the biggest wallet among all teams at 64.30 crore rupees. They splashed out 25.20 crore rupees on Cameron Green, making him the costliest overseas player in auction history. Matheesha Pathirana joined for 18 crore rupees to strengthen the bowling attack.
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Cameron Green, Rahul Tripathi, Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell |
| Wicket Keepers | Finn Allen, Tejasvi Dahiya, Tim Seifert |
| All-rounders | Rachin Ravindra, Sarthak Ranjan, Daksh Kamra, Anukul Roy, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine |
| Bowlers | Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman, Akash Deep, Kartik Tyagi, Prashant Solanki, Harshit Rana, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy |
Key Players for KKR Ahead of IPL 2026
A handful of players will carry significant responsibility for KKR this season. These cricketers possess the talent and temperament to win matches single-handedly. The team’s success depends heavily on its contributions.
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Sunil Narine | This Trinidadian legend wears many hats for KKR. His spin bowling strangles batters in the middle phase while his batting at the top produces quick runs. |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | His bag of tricks makes him almost unplayable on turning tracks. Batters struggle to read his variations, and he regularly delivers breakthroughs when needed. |
| Cameron Green | The big Australian brings muscle to the middle order with his clean hitting. His medium-pace bowling adds another dimension to the attack. |
| Anukul Roy | This promising youngster offers left-arm spin options. He chips in with handy runs down the order and provides tactical flexibility. |
| Harshit Rana | Pace and bounce define his bowling style. This young quick can unsettle set batters and change match situations in a few overs. |
Kolkata Knight Riders – Records (IPL 2008-2025)
Seventeen years of IPL cricket have given KKR plenty of proud moments. Individual brilliance and team achievements fill their record books. These numbers tell the story of a franchise that has consistently entertained and competed.
1. IPL Standings Every Year
| IPL Edition | Qualification | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8th | League stage |
| 2024 | 1st | Winners |
| 2023 | 7th | League stage |
| 2022 | 7th | League stage |
| 2021 | 4th | Runners-up |
| 2020 | 5th | League stage |
| 2019 | 5th | League stage |
| 2018 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2017 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2016 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2015 | 5th | League stage |
| 2014 | 2nd | Winners |
| 2013 | 7th | League stage |
| 2012 | 2nd | Winners |
| 2011 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2010 | 6th | League stage |
| 2009 | 8th | League stage |
| 2008 | 6th | League stage |
2. Most Runs for KKR
| Player | Span | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gautam Gambhir | 2011-2017 | 122 | 3345 |
| Andre Russell | 2014-2025 | 139 | 2658 |
| Robin Uthappa | 2014-2019 | 91 | 2649 |
| Nitish Rana | 2018-2024 | 90 | 2199 |
| Yusuf Pathan | 2011-2017 | 122 | 2061 |
3. Most Wickets for KKR
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunil Narine | 2012-2025 | 198 | 210 |
| Andre Russell | 2014-2025 | 139 | 124 |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 2020-2025 | 83 | 99 |
| Piyush Chawla | 2014-2019 | 76 | 71 |
| Umesh Yadav | 2014-2023 | 68 | 65 |
4. Highest Individual Score for KKR
| Player | Score | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brendon McCullum | 158* | RCB | 18 April 2008 | Bengaluru |
| Sunil Narine | 109 | RR | 16 April 2024 | Kolkata |
| Venkatesh Iyer | 104 | MI | 16 April 2023 | Mumbai |
| Dinesh Karthik | 97* | RR | 25 April 2019 | Kolkata |
| Quinton de Kock | 97* | RR | 26 March 2025 | Guwahati |
5. Best Bowling Figures for KKR
| Player | BBI | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Russell | 5/15 | MI | 13 April 2021 | Chennai |
| Sunil Narine | 5/19 | KXIP | 15 April 2012 | Kolkata |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 5/20 | DC | 24 October 2020 | Abu Dhabi |
| Andre Russell | 4/5 | GT | 23 April 2022 | Mumbai |
| Shoaib Akhtar | 4/11 | DD | 13 May 2008 | Kolkata |
6. Highest Totals
| Total | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 272/7 | DC | 03 April 2024 | Visakhapatnam |
| 261/6 | PBKS | 26 April 2024 | Kolkata |
| 245/6 | PBKS | 12 May 2018 | Indore |
| 235/6 | LSG | 05 May 2024 | Lucknow |
| 234/7 | LSG | 08 April 2025 | Kolkata |
7. Lowest Totals
| Total | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | MI | 16 May 2008 | Mumbai |
| 84/8 | RCB | 21 October 2020 | Abu Dhabi |
| 95 | MI | 27 April 2009 | Gqeberha |
| 95 | PBKS | 15 April 2025 | New Chandigarh |
| 101 | DCH | 19 April 2009 | Cape Town |
Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL Journey Throughout IPL Seasons
KKR burst onto the IPL scene in 2008 with an unforgettable opening night. Brendon McCullum’s 158 not out announced their arrival in spectacular fashion. The first title came in 2012, followed by another championship in 2014. A decade later, the team lifted the trophy again in 2024.
The franchise has experienced the full range of emotions through seventeen seasons. Tough years tested the resolve of players and management alike. Yet KKR kept faith in its approach of combining youth development with smart acquisitions.
The 2026 campaign begins with renewed optimism at Eden Gardens. Building a squad capable of sustained success remains the priority. KKR’s story reflects determination, passion, and an unwavering desire to bring glory to Kolkata.
