5 KKR players who could be released before IPL 2027 — Full list, reasons & auction impact

Kolkata Knight Riders had a disappointing IPL 2026 season, finishing seventh in the points table with six wins from 14 league matches. Despite having a strong squad and high expectations, KKR failed to perform consistently and missed the playoffs for the second season in a row.

The team showed signs of improvement in the second half of the tournament and came close to making a late push for the playoffs. However, an inconsistent start to the season proved costly, and KKR finished the campaign with only 13 points.

Several expensive signings and backup players failed to make a big impact during the season. As a result, the franchise could look to make changes to the squad and free up purse space before the upcoming IPL auction.

Although no official decisions have been announced, a squad overhaul is expected ahead of the next season. Here are five players Kolkata Knight Riders could release before IPL 2027.

5. Tim Seifert

The fifth name on this list is Tim Seifert. The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter joined IPL 2026 after an impressive T20 World Cup, but he could not carry that form into the tournament.

Seifert played three matches and score only 19 runs at an average of 6.33. His highest score was 19, and he had a strike rate of 105.55. He struggled to make an impact at the top of the order and lost his place once Finn Allen returned to the playing XI.

With Allen expected to remain KKR's first-choice opener and strong competition for overseas spots, Tim Seifert could be released ahead of IPL 2027 as the franchise looks to strengthen its squad.

4. Tejasvi Dahiya

The fourth name on this list is Tejasvi Dahiya. Kolkata Knight Riders signed the uncapped wicketkeeper-batter for ₹3 crore, but he had very few chances to prove himself during IPL 2026.

Dahiya played only two matches and scored 12 runs at an average of 6.00. His highest score was 11, while his strike rate was 80.00. He got his opportunities only after injuries to other players and could not make a strong impression. In his last two matches against Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, he scored 11 and 1 respectively.

See also -5 RCB players who could be released before IPL 2027 — Full list & reasons explained

KKR invested a significant amount in the young wicketkeeper, but his limited opportunities and modest returns may force the franchise to make a tough decision. As they look to free up purse space and strengthen the squad, Tejasvi Dahiya could be released ahead of IPL 2027.

3. Ramandeep Singh

The third name on this list is Ramandeep Singh. The all-rounder struggled to make a strong impact during IPL 2026 and could not cement his place in Kolkata Knight Riders' playing XI.

Ramandeep played eight matches and scored 82 runs in six innings at an average of 16.40. His highest score was 35, while his strike rate of 120.58 was below expectations for a finisher. He hit only eight fours and two sixes during the season. With the ball, he bowled only 16 deliveries in two innings and picked up one wicket. In his recent matches, he scored 35 against CSK, 17 against GT, 10 against RR, and 6 against LSG, but none of those innings changed the game.

KKR expect their all-rounders to contribute with both bat and ball. Ramandeep could not do that consistently in IPL 2026. As the franchise looks to strengthen its squad ahead of IPL 2027, he could be among the players released.

2. Rachin Ravindra

The second name on this list is Rachin Ravindra. Kolkata Knight Riders signed the New Zealand all-rounder for his base price of ₹2 crore ahead of IPL 2026, but he did not get a single opportunity to play during the season.

Rachin spent the entire tournament on the bench as KKR preferred Finn Allen, Cameron Green, and other Indian batting options. He later left the squad early to join New Zealand's preparations for the Test series in England. Despite his lack of opportunities in 2026, Rachin has played 18 IPL matches overall, scoring 413 runs at an average of 24.29 and a strike rate of 143.90, including two half-centuries.

See also -5 CSK players who could be released before IPL 2027 — Full list & reasons explained

With strong competition for overseas spots, KKR could decide to release Rachin Ravindra ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise may look for a more specialised T20 player who better fits their overseas combination and squad balance.

1. Cameron Green

The first name on this list is Cameron Green. Kolkata Knight Riders bought the Australian all-rounder for a record INR 25.20 crore ahead of IPL 2026, but he could not justify his price tag with either bat or ball during the season.

With the bat, he scored 322 runs from 14 innings at an average of 32.20 and a strike rate of 145.70, with a highest score of 79. However, he failed to deliver consistent match-winning performances despite a few useful knocks in the middle order.

With the ball, Green took 7 wickets from 10 matches, conceding 234 runs from 132 balls, with an average of 33.42, an economy rate of 10.63, and best figures of 2/23. Overall, his performances fell short of expectations, and there are recent rumours that KKR could trade him to MI ahead of IPL 2027 while targeting Hardik Pandya as a potential replacement.

Notable mentions

Matheesha Pathirana was one of KKR’s biggest overseas investments at ₹18 crore, but injuries once again disrupted his campaign. He played only one match in IPL 2026 and bowled just eight deliveries before being ruled out due to a hamstring injury. While he is widely regarded as a quality death-over specialist, his recurring fitness issues could force KKR to reconsider his future, as releasing him would also free up significant funds for IPL 2027.

Vaibhav Arora started the season as a key part of KKR’s pace attack but gradually lost his place in the playing XI. He struggled with consistency and ended the tournament with 11 wickets while leaking runs at an economy rate of 10.26. Overall, he found it difficult to maintain control and impact in pressure situations.

Navdeep Saini joined Kolkata Knight Riders as an injury replacement for IPL 2026 after Harshit Rana was ruled out due to knee surgery. Signed for ₹75 lakh in March 2026, he was brought in to strengthen the pace attack with his ability to bowl at high speeds over 145 km/h. Despite going unsold in the auction, he earned a comeback opportunity due to his experience and prior international exposure.

Sarthak Ranjan was another addition to the KKR squad as a young domestic option. An aggressive right-handed opener, he earned his IPL contract after impressive performances in domestic T20 leagues, where he scored heavily with a high strike rate, including a notable century. His selection highlighted KKR’s focus on young Indian talent and future squad depth.