Umran Malik And…? Bench Warmers For KKR In IPL 2026

Who Could Be Bench Warmers For KKR In IPL 2026 (Source: AFP Photos)

The IPL 2026 is just around the corner, and the Kolkata Knight Riders are all set with a solid troop. After the auction, KKR seems to be one of the most sorted out teams, be it batting, bowling or all-rounder lineup.

With the core of the team retained by names like Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, there have been some heavy buys by the franchise who would make it in the Playing XI.

However, the tournament doesn't always favour the best, with form being one of the major concerns. As many would get an opportunity to shine for the Knights, here is a list of players who might struggle to get games for KKR in IPL 2026.

Players Who Might Struggle To Find Playing XI Spot For KKR in IPL 2026

1) Rachin Ravindra

Why Rachin Ravindra will likely not feature for Kolkata in IPL 2026?

Rachin Ravindra is a pretty good all-rounder option with left-arm spin capability. He was also bought by Kolkata in the IPL auction for his base price of INR 2 crore, with almost no takers for him except the sole bidders, Knight Riders.

[Rachin Ravindra's Recent Form With The Bat]

• It is important to note that Rachin Ravindra's form in the last IPL was troublesome. From his eight appearances for Chennai Super Kings, he scored 191 runs while averaging 27.28 at a worrisome strike rate of 128.18.
• However, Ravindra has shone with the ball in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he picked 12 wickets at an economy rate of 7.84. However, his appearance in KKR's primary playing XI is likely a long shot.
• With the overseas player cap of four players, and Blessing Muzarabani, Sunil Narine, Finn Allen, and Cameron Green already having primary slots for their individual roles, Rachin Ravindra is unlikely to find a place.
• Moreover, the Knights have plenty of all-rounders in their squad, along with power hitters who could deal significantly more damage than Rachin.

Also Read- RCB Star Rewarded By National Cricket Board Days Before IPL 2026

2) Sarthak Ranjan

Why Sarthak Ranjan will likely not feature for KKR in IPL 2026?

Sarthak Ranjan, primarily a top-order batter who plays for Delhi, was roped in by Kolkata for INR 30 lakhs. 

• His ability in T20 cricket is yet to be proven, as he scored only 66 runs from the five matches he played while averaging a minimal 13.20.
• While Ranjan can be a good impact player option, his chances of making the primary playing XI are slim, with big names like Finn Allen, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, Rahul Tripathi, and Cameron Green at the top.
• Sarthak Ranjan will face even tighter competition from wicketkeeper-batter Tejaswi Dahiya, as well as all-rounder Daksh Kamra, for a playing XI or an impact player spot.

3) Umran Malik

Why Umran Malik will likely not feature for KKR in IPL 2026?

Umran Malik, the pace sensation from Jammu and Kashmir, who primarily played for SRH for his debut years, was retained by the Knights in the IPL auction for a price of 75 lakhs.

• The right-arm pacer who can clock over 150 makes a solid case for being one of the most demanding fast bowlers in IPL. However, his injury-laden appearances have troubled Kolkata in the past where they had to bench him for the whole 2025 season.
• Being a searing pace bowler calls for unprecedented injuries, and hence, god forbid if he burns another finger, he will probably be rested for the season.
• Moreover, Malik hasn’t been worthy on paper, either. From his 26 IPL appearances, he scalped only 29 wickets at an expensive economy rate of 9.39, further diluting his chances to make it to the Playing XI.

Also Read- SRH Best Playing XI For IPL 2026- Pat Cummins Replacement Locked; Ishan Kishan At No 3