IPL 2026: Predicting Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) strongest playing XI

The Kolkata Knight Riders have constructed a formidable roster following the IPL 2026 auction, which took place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025.

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KKR joined the auction with a strong goal, having the good money in its purse and the most slots to fill. They splurged on Australian all-rounder Cameron Green and Sri Lankan pace star Matheesha Pathirana, while also adding depth with Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, and Mustafizur Rahman.

The team currently has an outstanding balance after maintaining a solid core of veteran Ajinkya Rahane, lively Rinku Singh, mystery spinner Sunil Narine, and wrist-spin genius Varun Chakravarthy.

Predicting Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) strongest playing XI for IPL 2026:

KKR was troubled in IPL 2024 and 2025 by not having a stable opening partnership, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock playing musical chairs with the spot. This time, KKR will have the luxury of having multiple players for the top two spots in Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, and Ajinkya Rahane.

Rahane will captain the side, and either Tim Seifert or Angkrish Raghuvanshi will keep wickets for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Raghuvanshi will also bat at no. 4 or 5 as well.

KKR’s costliest acquisition, Cameron Green, will bat at no. 5 and is expected to bowl as well. This gives them a brilliant finisher as well. Rinku Singh will keep his no. 6 spot in KKR XI, and he has owned his place and done well with the bat. Ramandeep Singh and Sunil Narine will come in next to throw their bats to get quick runs.

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Sunil Narine and Rachin Ravindra will help Varun Chakaravarthy in the KKR spin department. Varun has become their best bowler, whose four overs are gold to the franchise.

The pace unit will be led by Harshit Rana, with Matheesha Pathirana and Vaibhav Arora for company.  Coming to the impact players, KKR will have Rahul Tripathi and Manish Pandey when it comes to batting.

On the other hand, Anukul Roy might be their answer as a spin all-rounder, while Umran Malik will be eyeing a return to top-level action after gaining full fitness.

Predicted KKR strongest playing XI of IPL 2026:

Rachin Ravindra/Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, Matheesha Pathirana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy.

Impact Players: Rahul Tripathi, Manish Pandey, Anukul Roy, Umran Malik.

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