IPL 2026: Top 3 Worst Releases by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL History

Player releases have always been an integral part of the Indian Premier League, yet some calls can hurt franchises in the long run. With auctions taking place before every season, teams are often forced to reshuffle their squads, but certain exits later prove to be far more damaging than anyone initially imagined. Kolkata Knight Riders have established themselves as one of the league’s most successful sides, boasting three championship titles.

Although several stars have flourished in KKR colours, the franchise has also parted ways with some notable players over the years. Those decisions sparked major discussions among supporters and pundits alike, making them headline topics. With that in mind, here is a look at the five worst player releases by KKR in IPL history.

1. Shreyas Iyer

Parting ways with Shreyas Iyer could easily be viewed as one of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ most costly decisions in IPL history. Under his leadership, the franchise lifted its third championship trophy in the 2024 season.

In a surprising turn of events, Iyer was let go before the 2025 auction, a decision that left supporters and analysts equally stunned. He was subsequently acquired by the Punjab Kings and named captain for the 2025 campaign. With Iyer at the helm, PBKS ended a decade-long wait for a playoff berth and went on to finish as runners-up.