KKR scout spotted TNPL's highest run scorer as golden prospect for IPL 2026: Report

Scouts of IPL franchises have been keeping their eyes on various T20 tournaments across the globe. Teams that faced setbacks in IPL 2025 will have to undergo transformation by signing some new names in their squad ahead of IPL 2026.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the IPL 2024 winner who failed to qualify for the playoffs in the previous IPL season, has clear intentions to rope in multiple raw talents, including uncapped Indian cricketers. A recent report about KKR's possible team build-up process highly suggested that they have interest in the highest run scorer of the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025. Tushar Raheja was the highest run getter in TNPL 2025 for the Tiruppur Tamizhans.

The emerging keeper-batter scored 488 runs in 9 matches at a batting average of 61.00. He smashed 5 half-centuries and maintained an average strike rate of 185.55 in the process. Raheja, with his batting abilities, easily attracted attention from cricket fraternities. When the Tiruppur Tamizhans faced the star-studded Dindigul Dragons in the TNPL 2025 final, the 24-year-old played a match-winning 77-run knock, which came against world-class bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Varun Chakravarthy.

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Why KKR should sign Raheja?

According to recent claims, a KKR scout suggested Tushar Raheja's name to the team management. As keeper-batter, KKR trusted Quinton De Kock and Rahmatullah Gurbaz in IPL 2025, but they misfired. Without any doubts, the Kolkata-based franchise needs a prolific wicketkeeper who can add value with the bat also. Raheja fits for the role. He is young, he is talented, and he is in form. As of now, he is considered a strong contender to get a new contract paper from Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Kolkata Knight Riders were the defending champion side in IPL 2025; they could not make their way to the round of four. KKR concluded their season in the 8th spot of the points table with only 5 wins in 14 matches.