As IPL 2026 unfolds, Kolkata Knight Riders find themselves in an unfamiliar and humiliating position - winless after four matches, languishing at the bottom
of the table with just one rain-affected point. Back-to-back defeats, an inexperienced pace attack, and unclear batting roles have exposed deep cracks.
For a three-time champion that lifted the trophy in 2024, this slump is not just poor form; it is the latest chapter in a long, self-inflicted saga of releasing top performers or denying them opportunities. KKR's management has repeatedly traded proven match-winners for short-term calculations, only to watch those players flourish elsewhere.
There is a long list of players whom KKR had in their ranks, but let them go. From Sanju Samson to the current SRH sensation Sakib Hussain, the list is long.
Kolkata Knight Riders' Downward Slope: How have KKR become so Dreadful in Two Years?
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson was part of the KKR squad in IPL 2012 as a 17-year-old backup wicketkeeper-batter. Despite the team winning the title that season, he never got a single game. The presence of established stars left him on the bench. Released without a debut, Samson went on to become one of India's finest finishers with Rajasthan Royals and later CSK. KKR missed spotting a generational talent early.
Sakib Hussain
Young Bihar pacer Sakib Hussain was picked by KKR ahead of IPL 2024 purely on domestic promise. Despite showing potential in the nets, he didn't get a single match. The franchise released him before the next season. In IPL 2026, he made a sensational debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad with 4/24, proving KKR's decision to deny him an opportunity was another missed chance.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer joined KKR as captain in 2022 after a successful DC stint. He steadied the middle order and led the team to its third IPL title in 2024 with calm leadership and crucial knocks. Yet, despite delivering silverware, KKR released him ahead of 2025. Iyer then guided Punjab Kings to the 2025 final, exposing KKR's habit of discarding proven leaders.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill made his IPL debut with KKR in 2018 and grew into a reliable opener. He scored 203 runs in his first season, 296 in 2019 (Emerging Player award), and topped KKR's charts with 440 runs in 2020. In 2021, he was the team's highest run-getter as they reached the final. Still, KKR didn't retain him in the 2022 mega-auction. Gill became Gujarat Titans' cornerstone and India's Test captain, and has emerged as one of the best batters in the world.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt was signed as a last-minute replacement for Jason Roy in IPL 2024. The explosive England opener delivered fiery starts, forming a lethal opening partnership and playing a pivotal role in KKR's title triumph. His aggressive batting powered multiple chases and high totals. Yet KKR released him after the victory. Salt later shone for RCB, helping them win their maiden title in 2025.
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav played for KKR from 2014 to 2017 but was often underutilised in the middle order. Despite flashes of brilliance, he struggled for consistent opportunities. Released ahead of the 2018 season, SKY joined Mumbai Indians and evolved into the world's best T20 batter, earning the nickname "Mr. 360 with explosive hundreds and India's T20I captaincy. KKR let go of a future superstar too early.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle represented KKR in 2010 and 2011, smashing 463 runs across 16 innings with his trademark power-hitting. The Universe Boss gave glimpses of his destructive ability, yet KKR released him before the 2012 season. Gayle then joined RCB and became an IPL legend, scoring the tournament's highest individual score of 175* and multiple centuries that still define T20 cricket.
