IPL 2026: Predicting the strongest playing XI of KKR after retentions

Kolkata Knight Riders head into IPL 2026 with a clear core in power up front, experienced anchors in the middle, and a pace attack built to punch up front and rattle batters at the death.

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Sunil Narine at No.1 still gives KKR that explosive left-handed start and an all-round insurance policy. He’s remained a retained, multi-value asset for the franchise and can win powerplay overs while contributing with early breakthroughs.

Ajinkya Rahane can partner Narine well as the opener. After being handed leadership responsibilities and showing form in domestic white-ball cricket, Rahane provides the technique and calm that KKR will want if early wickets fall. 

Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Manish Pandey form the young-experienced hybrid that can rotate, punish width and bridge the innings to the finishers. Raghuvanshi’s strike-rate and fearless intent have already produced quickfire contributions for KKR, while Pandey’s experience gives the side a reliable platform in the middle overs.

Rovman Powell and Rinku Singh form a devastating finish. Powell’s raw power and ability to clear boundaries regularly make him an ideal floater in the late overs, and Rinku, retained as a premium middle-order hitter, offers insane finishing ability and a knack for turning tight chases into victories. Their combined firepower covers the back end comprehensively.

Ramandeep Singh adds seam depth and lower-order hitting. His all-round contributions for KKR in recent seasons made him a retention priority and a genuine match-up weapon.

The bowling looks menacing on paper. Harshit Rana has become a dependable wicket-taker for KKR, combining pace and clever slower balls, while Vaibhav Arora showed match-winning impact in IPL 2025 and can operate as a cutter-and-swing option in the powerplay. Umran Malik provides genuine express pace, while Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin remains a wicket-taking trump card in the middle overs. Together, they give KKR both control and strike capability.

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On balance, this XI covers all bases: explosive starts, stabilising experience, heavy hitters and a four-pronged attack that mixes speed and guile. 

Probable playing XI: Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Varun Chakaravart.

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