Kolkata Knight Rider's (KKR) interest in Sanju Samson was a heavily discussed topic a few days before, which may have slowed down gradually. It was learned that for Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals (RR) wished to trade multiple star players of KKR ahead of the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026).

Now, in a fresh claim on a social media platform, it is revealed against which KKR players RR was in the attempt to release Sanju Samson. According to reports, Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine were on the Rajasthan Royals' wishlist, which KKR perhaps did not agree to settle down with.

If the reports are to be believed, it makes sense why the multi-time IPL-winning franchise did not want to trade Samson for Varun or Sunil. It is further stated that the Rajasthan-based franchise is trying to bolster their spin bowling department; that's why they wanted to secure the services of those two prolific spinners. 

Read More: Pakistan finds way to counter Afghanistan's boycott call! PCB takes stunning decision

KKR to release Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of IPL 2026?

After a season with Punjab Kings, Chakravarthy joined KKR during the IPL 2020-21 season. Since then, the spinner has been with the Purple Brigade, and over the years of hard work, he established himself as one of the most effective spinners in the limited-overs cricket. Last season, when KKR as a team struggled to perform on the field, Varun claimed 17 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 7.66. He was successful against the Rajasthan Royals as well. 

If we now talk about Sunil Narine, he is one of the pillars of the KKR team. Since the 2012 edition of the IPL, he has been associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Outside India, the West Indian spinner contributed to other Knight Riders franchises as well. At the age of 37, it is unlikely to see Narine leaving KKR for another IPL franchise. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has a long history with Caribbean cricketers. There are multiple cricketers, including Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, who are considered KKR legends and have been serving the franchise for multiple seasons. According to the latest claims, another renowned West Indian batter may join the Kolkata-based franchise. 

After a lackluster performance in IPL 2025, the former champion team is all set to go through a transition phase. From coaching setup to squad, multiple changes are expected in the team ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. As per the latest claims, Dwayne Bravo can take a big role in player selection. 

It is reported that T20I specialist Nicholas Pooran can join the multi-time IPL-winning franchise. Bravo can be a major factor behind this possible signing. Though, there is no official confirmation yet about the probable development. 

Read More: IND vs WI 2nd Test Day 2: Match Highlights and Key Performance

Bravo can be the main catalyst behind this possible move

Dwayne Bravo joined KKR, ahead of IPL 2025, as the mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir. Bravo's appointment did not prove fruitful for the team in the season, as KKR finished as the 8th team in the points table. In 14 matches, Knight Riders managed to win in only 5 games and suffered losses on 7 occasions. Mumbai Indians was the fourth team on the points table with 16 points, and KKR accumulated 12 points with a negative net run rate. 

Now if we talk about Pooran, he retired from the West Indies national team only to focus on T20 franchise leagues. He has been associated with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) team Trinbago Knight Riders since the CPL 2022 season. Last season, the middle-order batter scored 426 runs in 13 matches at an average of 42.60. In IPL 2025, the swashbuckling batsman played for Lucknow Super Giants and scored 524 runs in 14 games. 

Kolkata Knight Riders is all set to announce their new head coach's name ahead of Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). After the resignation of Chandrakant Pandit, the place is now vacant. On Saturday evening (October 11, 2025), a new update about the appointment of KKR's new coach has emerged. 

IPL 2025 was a disappointing season for the former league champions. They entered into the season as the defending champion but failed miserably to protect their title. The Kolkata-based franchise was not able to qualify for the round of four; they crashed out of the tournament from the group stage because of their inconsistent performance on the field. 

In IPL 2025, the multi-time champion team concluded the campaign as the 8th team in the 10-team competition. In 14 matches, Knight Riders managed to win in only 5 games and suffered losses on 7 occasions. Mumbai Indians was the fourth team on the points table with 16 points, and KKR accumulated 12 points with a negative net run rate. 

Read More: IND vs WI 2nd Test Day 2: Match Highlights and Key Performance

Who will be KKR's new coach for IPL 2026

After the disappointing season, the head coach of the team, Chandrakant Pandit, left the club, saying that he wants to explore new opportunities. From then, the head coach position in KKR is yet to be filled. 

According to the latest updates, Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to announce their new head coach in the last week of October or the first week of November ahead of Retentions. According to speculations, other than appointing someone new in the franchise, the management can trust a known face in the club. There are also some claims that Abhishek Nayar,who worked with the franchise for a long time and in various positions, can take the role. KKR became the champion last time with the combination of Gautam Gambhir and Abhishek Nayar in their coaching staff. 

Two of Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) core cricketers' recent performances raise concerns among the franchise followers. In the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2025), for KKR's sister concern, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), Andre Russell and Sunil Narine failed to live up to their marks. Which might be noted by KKR officials as well.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, where the former champion side will be in shot to reinforce their firepower, Narine and Russell's long-lyingform may come as a hovering perturb. In CPL 2025, the pace bowling all-rounder, Andre Russell, who already played his last T20I for the West Indies, scored only 61 runs in 6 innings, including a high of 27. 

Like his batting stats, his bowling stats are also looking cold and not suggestive enough for IPL standards. For TKR, he claimed only 9 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 10.47. Before CPL, Russell played for Major League Cricket (MLC) Los Angeles Knight Riders. There too, his performance was below par. 

Read More: 'Huge achivement...'- Cricket fans pouring wishes as Harmanpreet Kaur reaches 150th ODI landmark

Should KKR release Andre Russell and Sunil Narine?

And Sunil Narine, who started his career as a mystery spinner, later turned into an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders, also perhaps moving towards sunset. In CPL 2025, for TKR, he bagged only 6 wickets in 10 matches, which is way lower than his prime. Though his economy rate is below 6, which is rare in T20 cricket. In CPL, Narine mainly contributes as a bowler, not as a batter, so here his CPL 2025 batting stats may not be appropriate. 

The spinner's MLC 2025 was also unimpressive. In 6 matches he got only 3 scalps with his name. He went to bat three times and bagged a total of 27 runs. With these stats, both Russell and Narine can cause headaches for KKR team management. 

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.

Read More: 'I don’t like being tagged as...'- Rinku Singh reveals his dream ahead of Asia Cup 2025

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.

Reports have been floating about Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the mini auction of Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). According to a recently published media report, KKR already cleared their position on player trade to the Rajasthan-based franchise. 

There were rumors about KKR's possible interest in RR captain Sanju Samson. To make the trade-in real, the multi-time IPL champion franchise may have to spend a hefty fee. If they want to save some amount, then there is the option of a player transfer plus money deal. According to a few previous claims on social media platforms, Rajasthan Royals might have interest in multiple KKR players in exchange for Samson; as of now, this option could be denied by Knight Riders. In parallel, there is no concrete evidence about Samson's trade to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026.

Apart from the squad-building process, RR now has to find a new coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League season, as their head coach Rahul Dravid parted ways with the franchise. According to a statement released by RR, they offered Dravid a new role, but the ICC T20I World Cup-winning coach turned down the offer and decided to leave the club. 

Read More: 'Watching the devastation of these floods...'- Yuvraj Singh's emotional post for flood affected Punjab

In the previous season, RR faced a brutal situation in the points table. Despite making some promising performances on the field, they failed to find the right path to get on the winning track. They finished IPL 2025 second from the bottom with only 4 wins after playing 14 matches. 

Kolkata Knight Riders were the defending champion side in IPL 2025; they too could not make their way to the round of four. KKR concluded their season one place above Rajasthan Royals in the points table with only 5 wins in 14 matches.

Ajinkya Rahane's future in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is under uncertainty, as the franchise is in search of a new captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) edition, media reports claim. The multi-time IPL trophy-winning side is reportedly interested in KL Rahul, who has leadership experiences and qualities.

Rahul can rescue KKR from multiple issues. Along with the captaincy role, the franchise faced trouble in their keeper-batter slot as both of their overseas players—Rahmatullah Gurbaz and Quinton De Kock—failed to impress. Gurbaz is young and undoubtedly talented; he's been with KKR multiple seasons but has yet to impress the team management. Another issue is that the team needs someone who can pull the crowd—a crowd puller. After the exit of Shreyas Iyer, KKR lacked the star power that Rahul can easily provide. The 33-year-old's ability to adapt to the situation and multitasking skills make him more precise.

Last season, the India international was in outstanding form with Delhi Capitals, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches at a standout average of 53.90. Needless to say, if KKR wants to trade Rahul from Delhi Capitals, then they have to spend multi-crore rupees. According to the latest media updates, KKR may propose a player trade or a big cash deal to Delhi Capitals in order to acquire Rahul.

Read More: 3 teams that can target Jordan Cox ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction ft. CSK

KKR to release Venkatesh Iyer?

To generate extra cash for a huge deal, KKR can release some of their big names. KKR bought Iyer from the mega auction for INR 23.75 Crore, making it a record-breaking price for the franchise.

Claims on social media platforms also suggested that by releasing Iyer, KKR can collect the required cash to accomplish KL Rahul's transfer from Delhi Capitals.In IPL 2025, Ajinkya Rahane as a batter performed well, but his captaincy lacked the much-needed flair on the field. 

Multiple IPL franchises need to do some reinforcement work for the upcoming season. Taking lessons from their previous campaign, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can try to sign some fresh batters to boost up their batting firepower. Jordan Cox can be an effective long-term investment for the above-mentioned franchises. But why do CSK, SRH, or KKR need to sign the emerging English batter? 

Cox has been in superb form in the ongoing The Hundred tournament with the Oval Invincibles. He is one of the few young batters who has been able to maintain their run flow. Additionally, the England international can be used as a wicketkeeper also. 

Franchises and why they should make an investment for Jordan Cox:

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): CSK's last season was unexpectedly poor. The five-time IPL-winning team's batting side was full of cracks, which they need to fill up if the team management wishes to regain their glory days. The late inclusions of Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis came as rays of hope, as both of the batters made strong impressions through their explosive batting performances. If they decide to cash in for Jordan Cox, then it'll be another bet on a long-term prospect. The combination of Mhatre, Brevis, and Cox can bring a lot of possibilities into the lineup. 

Read More: 327 runs in 8 innings, emerging English batter making headlines ahead of IPL 2026 auction

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Star-studded batting line, probably the strongest batting lineup on paper during the IPL 2025. But their on-field performance showed them the reality. Inconsistency led the team down in the points table. After scoring a brilliant hundred, Ishan Kishan's performance graph was on the decline. Other capped and uncapped talents also did not perform in a consistent manner. SRH needs someone who can provide him a steady performance, like Cox's current stint in The Hundred. The young English top-order keeper-batter can be a good backup option for Heinrich Klaasen as well. 

3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): KKR was unable to play as a team in IPL 2025, and they failed to protect their title. They have to recruit some fresh, young talents to replace reputed but out-of-form experienced players from their first XI. Apart from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh, KKR's batting combination lacked upcoming talents and X-factor. Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Quinton De Kock are undoubtedly highly experienced candidates, but they are already well past their prime. The upcoming mini auction for IPL 2026 can be a crucial moment for Knight Riders to reshuffle their team. 

6, 6, 6, 6... An explosion in the powerplay when Gulbarga Mystics started to chase a target of 210 runs against Mysore Warriors. Luvnith Sisodia, who is the opener of Gulbarga Mystics, caught eyes for his batting skills. In the ongoing 2025 Maharaja Trophy T20, the keeper batter is in great touch; especially whenever he connects with the ball, it often lands in the stands. 

The same happened when he came against the Mysore Warriors. Back-to-back sixes for him and Gulbarga, which led Gulbarga to win the massive target. It was not the first time Luvnith has made headlines. His hitting abilities are not something new for Indian cricket. Kolkata Knight Riders roped in the keeper-batter for IPL 2025, but unfortunately, Sisodia did not get a single match to shine. 

3 reasons for KKR to retain Luvnith Sisodia:

A solution of keeper-batter: Kolkata Knight Riders had to deal with a keeper-batter problem in the previous Indian Premier League season as two of their overseas players—Quinton De Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz—proved to be flops. Sisodia can solve the issue. He can keep, and he can bat. The way he is batting in the Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament, KKR management might have taken a note. The former IPL champion lacked this kind of quickfire batting to boost up their run rate during the power plays.

Read More: "Completely lets go of players he doesn't like" - Former India opener's massive statement on Gautam Gambhir ahead of 2025 Asia Cup

Top-order batting: KKR's struggle to find a right opening pair is not new. Phil Salt did great for them, but the management let him go ahead of the league auction. Then, for the IPL 2025 season, Sunil Narine was combined with Quinton De Kock, which did not work. For the last few seasons, Narine emerged as their regular opener. Narine's hitting abilities are undoubtedly appreciable, but his lack of consistency often caused trouble for KKR. The team needs a proper top-order batsman who can score runs quickly, and Luvnith Sisodia can be a good option. 

A long-time prospect: Unlike Sunil Narine or Quinton De Kock, who are already well over their prime, nearing retirement, Luvnith has a long career in front of him. He is only 25 and has the potential to beas a long-time prospect. But first, he has to prove himself against some top-level bowlers. 

Beautiful use of wrists to launch back-to-back big hits. Luvnith Sisodia was in full swing against Shivamogga Lions during Match 11 of the ongoing Maharaja Trophy T20 2025. Sisodia, who was a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, scored an unbeaten 58 in the Shivamogga Lions vs Gulbarga Mystics game. Gulbarga Mystics won the contest by 10 wickets via the VJD method.

After the beginning of the 2025 Maharaja Trophy, multiple matches were influenced by rain. Batting first, Shivamogga scored 127-5 in 15.5 overs. Gulbarga started to chase the target in a quick manner. The target was reduced, which probably made Gulbarga's task a little bit easy, considering their aggregate style of batting.

From the beginning of the second innings, the opening partnership of Luvnith Sisodia and Nikin Jose started to deal with boundaries and over boundaries. Jese remained unbeaten for 34 off 15, and Sisodia stood tall on the track for an unbeaten 58. The opening pair scored 93 and confirmed the victory for Gulbarga Mystics. One of the most highlighted moments came when Sisodia smacked back-to-back 6s using his wrists. The left-handed opener used his footwork and wrists to guide the deliveries to the stand.

Read More: Why Mohammed Rizwan not selected in Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 squad

Who is Luvnith Sisodia?

The 25-year-old keeper-batter played some swashbuckling in the domestic circuit over the past few years but has yet to play his first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The top-order batsman, known for hard-hitting abilities, was picked up by KKR at the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 30 lakh. Luvnith was also part of RCB’s roster in 2022 before an injury ruled him out. In the 2024 Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament, Sisodia played an amazing unbeaten 62-run innings for the Mystics. 

Along with his batting, he is well established for his wicketkeeping job too. In that season, against Bengaluru Blasters, the keeper took 6 catches behind the stumps. 

Luvnith Sisodia magic in Maharaja Trophy. 🔥pic.twitter.com/dOL7Qtxw41

— Knight Club : KKR (@KnightClub_KKR) August 17, 2025