KKR Retention and Release List IPL 2026: Full List of Players Retained, Trades for Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR IPL 2026 Retention: 3-time IPL winners Kolkata Knight Riders have retained their core ahead of the mini auction on 16th December in Abu Dhabi and will head into the auction day with a clear intent to build a strong team.

The Kolkata outfit didn't make any trade signings but have let of go off Mayank Markande back to the Mumbai Indians. They did rope in big names as far as the coaching set-up is concerned. Abhishek Nayar will be the head coach, Australian legend Shane Watson will be his deputy and former New Zealand star pacer Tim Southee will look after the bowling department.

KKR Retention and Release List IPL 2026, Photo: PTI

KKR had to make some tough choices and they have let go off their superstar all-rounder, who has been a loyal servant for the last 13 years. Venkatesh Kiyer, who had a poor 2025 season has also been let go and the likes of Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali and Anrich Nortje also didn't find a spot, all of them had a very quite season.

As far as retentions are concerned, Rinku Singh, captain Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana have been retained and like always they will play a central role. All eye on will be on Umran Malik, who will be eying a comeback with the Kolkata side.

Going into the auction, KKR will have a huge sum to make use of it and bring in new reinforcements, which will once again shape their season. Many big names of other teams have been let go and it is there chance now to build a cohesive side.

List of Players Retained: Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik.

List of Players Released: Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje

Trade In: Nil

Trade Out: Mayank Markande to KKR

Purse Left: 64.3 Cr

Slot Remaining: 13

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