- June 9, 2025
Let’s face it, IPL 2025 was a heartbreak for the fans of the Kolkata Knight Riders. After winning a title in 2024, optimism was ample. Instead, we were treated to a lackluster campaign, disorganization, sloppy finishes, and an embarrassing eighth-place finish with only five wins! Ouch.
CKK (CL the KKR curse) was there for all to see, and although we had moments of optimism, it was clear KKR needed change before IPL 2026. A few new players could give the stability, firepower, and professionalism that this year was lacking. Keeping this in mind, let’s look at three players who could be the jumpstart KKR needs, starting with a classy Kiwi who knows a thing or two about anchoring an innings.
Devon Conway
Alright, let’s face it, KKR’s opening partnership didn’t stand out this season. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock were apparently out of form as they both averaged less than 22, and it put the innings on the back foot right from ball one. On came Devon Conway.
No, Conway didn’t stand out in IPL 2025 either, only having made 156 runs in 6 innings for CSK. But again, you would have to appreciate what kind of batter you’re getting. Conway is a batter who thrives with structure and support. And, coming from a turbulent CSK batting lineup, you wouldn’t say he had much of that. Overall, Conway has scored 924 runs in 27 IPL innings at a near 39 average before 2025, so you can’t say he’s not a reliable batsman who can do it consistently.
Now think combination of Sunil Narine going ape, and Conway as the calm partner. In addition, Conway can keep if needed, which would offer KKR a unique dynamic of their XI and its makeup.
T Natarajan
You can’t win T20s without a quality death bowler. And if you saw KKR concede 278 runs in their last game to SRH, I think you know where things fell apart.
KKR’s pace attack did not look good at all after letting Mitchell Starc go. Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora each took wickets, but both went at an unacceptable run rate with over 10, both with economy ratings over 10. And Nortje?
T Natarajan could be the solution to this mess. Yes, he made only one appearance for the Delhi Capitals in 2025 – and it didn’t turn out well (49 runs in 3 overs) – but one bad match doesn’t affect an established record. He has still picked up 67 wickets in 63 IPL matches, and showed he has death-bowler skills. Natarajan has exactly what KKR needs to finish matches – slowness under pressure. He has a left-arm angle, and with his yorkers, he can easily fit into high-scoring conditions at Eden Gardens.
Brydon Carse
KKR were aching for a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder this season. Andre Russell was slowly becoming less explosive, and while he was not abject, the inconsistency he displayed in certain matches was apparent. Ramandeep Singh showed real promise in small doses but could never be expected to shoulder the burden.
Carse was drafted by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2025 and then missed the season with a toe injury. If the SRH franchise decides to release him, KKR would greatly benefit from looking at him in the trade window. Why? Because Carse is a true X-factor player. He can bowl with good pace and smart variations and is useful with the bat in hand, just what you want at 6 or 7 batting positions.
The quality is out there. The question is—will KKR be willing to take the risk and be bold enough to act, before the auction?
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