Kolkata Knight Riders during IPL 2025 (Source: AFP Photos)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have plenty of issues to address ahead of IPL 2026. However, wicket-keeping was surely not among them, with the likes of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen – two of New Zealand’s best performers in the recently concluded T20 World Cup – having been in the mix.
To leave everyone in disbelief, KKR dropped a hint which left fans scratching their heads.
After Mustafizur Rahman was banned from IPL 2026, coupled with the troubling injury to Matheesha Pathirana, KKR had a forced yet right overseas option in the playing XI with the inclusion of Seifert.
The New Zealand wicket-keeper, who was picked by the three-time IPL champions for just INR 1.5 crore in the latest auction, had an outstanding T20 World Cup, with 326 runs at an average of 46.57 with a strike rate over 165, speaking volumes.
Yet, KKR, in all likelihood, will have a different individual behind the stumps with big gloves, as they dropped a huge hint just before IPL 2026.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi Begins Keeping Drills For KKR
In a surprising move, the KKR think tank, led by Abhishek Nayar, has decided to assign Angkrish Raghuvanshi the wicket-keeping responsibility.
The 20-year-old, who kept wickets in the past for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), was seen taking the big gloves at KKR training, as video went viral on social media.
Notably, both Seifert and Allen can keep wickets, as well as can open the innings, but Raghuvanshi being a wicket-keeper could make Ajinkya Rahane, KKR's confirmed captain for IPL 2026, to open alongside Sunil Narine.
Also Read: Mustafizur Rahman KKR Replacement Locked In? RCB's IPL Winner Gives Shocking Clues
KKR Yet To Find Mustafizur Rahman IPL Replacement
Moreover, KKR is yet to name a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was bought for a whopping INR 9.2 Cr at the auction, only to be kicked out of IPL 2026 sometime later.
Interestingly, Blessing Muzarabani could be the one who will make the cut for the Purple and Gold Brigade for IPL 2026, as the rumour has been circulating on social media.
Mustafizur, meanwhile, got a contract from The Hundred auction on Thursday, as Birmingham Phoenix acquired his services.
KKR To Begin IPL 2026 Vs MI
KKR will begin the IPL 2026 campaign against their nemesis Mumbai Indians, on March 29. The high-voltage fixture between five-time champions and three-time champions will take place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
As long as the IPL 2026 is concerned, the upcoming edition will get underway on March 28, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
So far, only 20 matches have been confirmed, as the Assembly Elections dates across three states in India are yet to be finalised. Notably, this year, IPL will have 84 matches in total instead of 74.
Also Read: KKR IPL Schedule 2026: Fixtures, Venues, Full Squad, Date And Time
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