The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been the most exciting league in world cricket. Cricket Fans from all around the globe enjoy the IPL. But we are talking about some decisions taken by KKR franchisees that make them feel regret for the rest of life. Today, we will tell you about one of the successful franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and how their decision not to pick these players became the biggest reason for their downfall in IPL 2026.
The 5 Biggest Talent Blunders in KKR History
Shreyas Iyer
The first Person in a list is undoubtedly a veteran player ever in the history of the Kolkata Knight Riders. He is none other than Shreyas Iyer, a champion player. KKR have won the IPL 3 times yet, and after Gautam Gambhir led the team to trophies. Under Iyer’s captaincy, KKR won the trophy in 2024. Right next year, after that season, the franchise released him and shocked every cricket fan, which resulted in the worst decision by KKR ever. In 2025, the Punjab Kings bought him, and he again did an impressive job taking his team to the finals, where PBKS lost against the RCB. But Iyer remains one of KKR’s worst decisions not to buy him.
Shubman Gill
Team India’s Star player Shubman Gill is also from KKR’s one of the regretted decisions of not buying him. Gill started his career from the franchise where he played for 3 years for the teams. He started his career as middle order batsman but was later on promoted as opener. Gill played some memorable innings. Still, the KKR franchise released him, which became the worst decision by the management.
Suryakumar Yadav
Currently, team India’s star batsman and T20i captain Suryakumar Yadav is from one of the bad decisions KKR took almost a decade ago. Surya started his IPL journey from the Kolkata knight riders back in 2014, and he played for the team till 2017. In 2018, the Mumbai Indians bought him, which changed Surya’s career forever. He played so many match winning innings for the team and made his own way to reach the Indian team. Surely he’s from one of the bad decisions by KKR management.
Mitchell Starc
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is one of the most dangerous players ever in the history of the cricketing world. Kolkata knight riders bought him for 24.75 crore in 2024, and that season Team lifted the trophy under Shreyas Iyer. After winning the tournament, the KKR franchise sidelined him and released him for auction, and currently, he is playing for the Delhi Capitals.
Patrick Cummins
In 2022, KKR bought Australian legendary fast bowler Patrick Cummins which made a huge impact on the KKR franchise. Right next year, due to National commitments, Cummins didn’t play season 2023, and that led to his exit from the KKR’s franchise. In 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for 20.50 crore rupees and made him Captain as well. In that year took the team to IPL finals. He is also one of the worst decisions taken by the KKR franchise, which they regret.
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