Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders were not impressive in IPL 2026. They lost five of their first six games, with one match being washed out due to rain. Kolkata then came back into the season with four wins in a row and gave themselves an outside chance of making it to the playoffs. Despite a strong finish to the season, the side wasn’t able to reach the top four and ended up seventh on the points table. 

Ajinkya Rahane, who led them in the 19th season, called time on his career from all formats of the game. Ahead of the new season, the side will have to find a new leader who can do well in IPL 2027 and potentially lead them to their fourth title. 

In terms of retention and release, the side has a lot of decisions to make, with many players likely to be on the chopping block. Last year, a few players missed out due to injuries.

Here are the five players KKR could release 

5- Rahul Tripathi 

By the time the next season of IPL begins, Rahul Tripathi will be 36 years old. Once considered a good batting talent, the cricketer has seen runs dry up. He moved back to KKR ahead of the 2026 season but failed to get game time. Former champions will be keen to release the veteran batter for a younger talent. 

4- Ramandeep Singh

All-rounder Ramandeep Singh played a key role with the bat and ball in 2024, when the Knight Riders ended a decade-long wait to win the title. The 29-year-old has played 19 games in the last two seasons, scored 129 runs with a best of 47, and taken just one wicket. Ramandeep is likely to be released.

3- Matheesha Pathirana

One of the biggest decisions Kolkata has to take is about Matheesha Pathirana, who played just one game last year. The Lankan seamer bowled just eight balls before hobbling out due to injury. The 23-year-old hasn’t played since then, and his constant fitness issues can potentially be a dampener. 

2- Blessing Muzarabani 

Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani played just two games and grabbed four wickets in one of the fixtures before being relegated to the bench. The 29-year-old may want to part ways with the franchise if he doesn’t get decent playing time, considering the 2027 ODI World Cup year, and Zimbabwe are the co-hosts of the event. 

1- Cameron Green 

Cameron Green failed to get going in the 19th season, and there are two reasons why he could be released by KKR. Firstly, the 27-year-old has been dealing with constant injury issues. Even during the SA vs AUS series, he played as a pure batter. Secondly, Australia have a busy schedule in 2027, and the all-rounder could potentially want to give preference to national duties over IPL riches.