IPL 2025: 5 costly KKR flops who might not find a buyer next season

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) entered IPL 2025 as the defending champions, and fans had high hopes. However, they failed miserably under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane and head coach Chandrakant Pandit. 

The absence of mentor Gautam Gambhir and title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer was felt, as KKR finished in 8th place with 12 points from 14 games and a net run rate of -0.305. Despite spending heavily on several top players, many failed to perform consistently, playing a big role in KKR’s poor campaign.

Here are 5 costly KKR flops who might not find a buyer in IPL 2026:

Venkatesh Iyer

KKR spent a whopping INR 23.75 Crore to get Venkatesh Iyer at the mega auction and even named him vice-captain. However, the high price tag seemed to weigh heavily on him. He scored just 142 runs in seven innings at an average of 20.28 and a strike rate of 139.21, including one fifty. 

He also missed a few games late in the season due to injury. Given his poor returns, KKR might look to release him. If his domestic performances don’t improve, finding a new team in 2026 could be a challenge.

Andre Russell

A KKR stalwart since 2014, Andre Russell was retained once again in IPL 2024 for INR 12 Crore. However, at 36, the West Indies all-rounder's form and fitness are now concerns. In 10 innings, he scored 167 runs at an average of 18.55 with a strike rate of 163.72. 

With the ball, he took eight wickets in nine innings. Russell’s recurring injuries and inconsistency have forced KKR to constantly manage his workload, raising questions about his future with the team.

Anrich Nortje

After Mitchell Starc's heroics in IPL 2024, KKR hoped to replicate that success by signing South African pacer Anrich Nortje for INR 6.50 Crore. But Nortje missed the early part of the season due to injury and played just two matches, conceding 83 runs in seven overs and taking only one wicket, with an economy of 11.85. With injuries and inconsistent form becoming a pattern, his IPL future looks uncertain.

Ramandeep Singh

In IPL 2024, Ramandeep impressed with 125 runs in nine innings at a striking rate of 201.61, mainly finishing games lower down the order. KKR retained him for INR 4 Crore, expecting him to play a key finishing role. But this season, he managed just 47 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 134.28. His failure to deliver consistently could see KKR look elsewhere for middle-order firepower in 2026.

Moeen Ali

KKR bought England all-rounder Moeen Ali for INR 2 Crore, hoping for impact with both bat and ball. While he picked up six wickets in five innings, his batting was a letdown—scoring only five runs in two innings. At 37, Moeen’s age and limited impact may make it difficult for him to attract interest from franchises next season unless he delivers in other leagues.

With such high-profile flops and an underwhelming campaign, KKR may look to rebuild ahead of IPL 2026. These five players will have to prove their form elsewhere to remain in contention for future IPL contracts.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!