IPL 2026: 4 T20 World Cup Finalists set to join KKR Today as Knights begin Practice at Eden Gardens

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The Kolkata Knight Riders have already started preparation for IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens, and they are set to welcome four new members on Thursday (March 19).

Fresh from their heroics in the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand trio Tim Seifert, Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra, along with Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, are set to arrive in Kolkata tomorrow evening to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp on Friday. Varun was part of the T20 World Cup-winning team, while the Black Caps trio were the beaten finalists.

The quartet will bolster the three-time IPL champions' preparations ahead of the 2026 season under captain Ajinkya Rahane and head coach Abhishek Nayar at the iconic Eden Gardens.

The timing could not be better. All four players shone brightly on the global stage just weeks ago. Explosive opener Finn Allen stole the show with the fastest century in T20 World Cup history - an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls - in New Zealand's semi-final victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens itself. He piled up nearly 289 runs at a staggering strike rate above 200. Seifert complemented Allen perfectly, smashing 326 runs in eight innings at an average of 46.57 and strike rate of 166.33.

All-rounder Rachin Ravindra emerged as New Zealand's standout performer with the ball, claiming around 11 wickets - the most for the Black Caps - with his accurate left-arm spin while also contributing useful runs with the bat.

Varun Chakaravarthy, retained by KKR for a hefty sum, was instrumental in India's triumphant campaign. The mystery spinner troubled batters with his variations and picked up 13 wickets, the joint-most in the T20 World Cup.

Kolkata Knight Riders begin Practice at Eden Gardens

The likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh have already arrived as KKR started their practice at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

With explosive openers in Allen and Seifert, all-round utility from Ravindra, and world-class spin control from Chakaravarthy, KKR's squad - which also features stars like Rinku Singh, Cameron Green. Despite a strong squad, KKR have been ravaged with injuries as Harshit Rana is ruled out, while Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana is also doubtful for injury. KKR have already replaced Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman with Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani.

KKR IPL 2026 Opener

The Purple Army will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai before hosting their first home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2 at Eden Gardens.