Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have used the Indian Premier League's (IPL) trading window at several points in their history to strengthen their squad, address
specific weaknesses and move players who no longer fit into their plans.
While the franchise has traditionally relied heavily on auctions to assemble its squad, it has also completed several notable trades involving Indian and overseas cricketers. From the exchange involving Manoj Tiwary and Owais Shah in 2010 to the acquisitions of Shardul Thakur and Lockie Ferguson in 2023, KKR's trade history reflects changing squad-building strategies.
The franchise's first major trading activity came in 2010, when Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques moved from Kolkata to Delhi Daredevils. In the opposite direction, KKR acquired England batter Owais Shah and Indian middle-order batter Manoj Tiwary.
KKR subsequently made another move in 2012, sending wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami to Rajasthan Royals. The franchise then traded two players in 2015, with wicketkeeper Manvinder Bisla joining Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), while pacer Vinay Kumar moved to Mumbai Indians (MI).
After a relatively quiet period, KKR brought in Mumbai Indians' Siddhesh Lad ahead of the 2020 season. However, it was the 2023 trading window that witnessed the franchise's most significant activity.
Kolkata signed three players: New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Gujarat Titans, along with Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur from Delhi Capitals. In exchange, KKR sent Aman Khan to Delhi.
Their latest completed trade came ahead of IPL 2026, when leg-spinner Mayank Markande moved from KKR to Mumbai Indians.
Complete KKR Trade History In IPL
| Season | Player | Trade movement |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Moises Henriques | KKR → Delhi |
| 2010 | Owais Shah | Delhi → KKR |
| 2010 | Manoj Tiwary | Delhi → KKR |
| 2012 | Shreevats Goswami | KKR → Rajasthan Royals |
| 2015 | Manvinder Bisla | KKR → RCB |
| 2015 | Vinay Kumar | KKR → Mumbai Indians |
| 2020 | Siddhesh Lad | Mumbai Indians → KKR |
| 2023 | Lockie Ferguson | Gujarat Titans → KKR |
| 2023 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Gujarat Titans → KKR |
| 2023 | Shardul Thakur | Delhi Capitals → KKR |
| 2023 | Aman Khan | KKR → Delhi Capitals |
| 2026 | Mayank Markande | KKR → Mumbai Indians |
