Kolkata Knight Riders

Russell has been a key figure for KKR since 2014, helping the franchise secure three IPL titles.

CSK have released 11 players, the most among the 10 franchises, as they attempt to reset after finishing bottom of the table for the first time in their IPL history

IPL 2026's retention list is defined by three themes: the blockbuster Jadeja-Samson-Curran swap, the release of several global stars, and franchises making sharp value

Russell, who joined KKR in 2014, had been one of the franchise's longest-serving and most influential overseas players

Markande, who made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2018, enjoyed a breakout season with a memorable three-wicket haul in his very first match.

Watson is an IPL veteran, featuring in 12 seasons since the inaugural 2008 edition. He played a pivotal role in Rajasthan Royals' remarkable triumph that year, earning the MVP award in 2013.

Since this is not a mega auction, franchises have the freedom to retain or release as many players as they wish.

IPL 2026 retention rules allow franchises to retain an unlimited number of players, with no cap on the number of capped Indian players, overseas players, or uncapped players they can keep

Nayar, 42, has been closely associated with the Knight Riders setup since 2018, serving as a key member of the support staff.

Reports suggest that Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, and Sam Curran may find themselves on CSK's release list

IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday announced the departure of head coach Chandrakant Pandit, ending his two-year stint with the team following a disappointing 2025 season. Pandit, who guided KKR to their third IPL title in 2024, oversaw a sharp decline in fortunes this year with the side finishing eighth in the 2025 edition, matching their lowest ever finish in tournament history. "Mr. Chandrakant Pandit has decided to explore new opportunities and will not continue as Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders," KKR said in a post shared on 'X'. "We are thankful for his invaluable contributions including leading KKR to the IPL Championship in 2024 and helping build a strong, resilient squad. His leadership and discipline have left a lasting impact on the team. We wish him all the very best for the future." Pandit, a celebrated figure in Indian domestic cricket, was appointed KKR head coach ahead of the 2023 season. His first year in charge saw the team finish seventh, with .

GT's Sai Sudharsan claimed the Orange Cap with 759 runs in 15 matches. He was followed by Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav, along with Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill.

Who won most IPL titles? Who is the most successful captain in IPL history? Who won IPL trophy as captain in first season itself? Check all you need to know about IPL champions here

Heinrich Klaasen tore apart the Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling unit with a blistering 37-ball century.

Check all the live telecast and live streaming details for the IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad here

With five victories and six defeats from 13 matches, KKR's hopes of reaching the top four gradually slipped away due to a lack of sustained momentum.

KKR appeared to be in the playoff mix at one point, but the weather didn't work in their favor. The rain-affected games ultimately cost them crucial points.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have had a similarly underwhelming journey. Positioned eighth on the points table, SRH also failed to make a serious push for qualification.

Former England captain Eoin Morgan, who shared the dressing room with Gill at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the IPL, expressed confidence in Gill's leadership

DC will be playing a do-or-die game vs MI at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday