3 players KKR should consider trading in after IPL 2025 ft. Devon Conway

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) endured a disappointing run in IPL 2025, as they finished eighth with five victories in 14 games. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, KKR displayed inconsistency in all departments, which resulted in them failing to defend their title.

In the batting department, KKR often maximized the fielding restrictions, but failed to maintain the same tempo in the middle overs. Thereafter, the side couldn't quite get strong finishes on many occasions, which hurt their chances of winning the game.

Much was expected from the bowling unit as well, but the Knight Riders struggled in this aspect as well. Notably, they conceded 278 in their final league game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

On that note, let's take a look at a few players KKR should bring into their setup ahead of the 2026 edition.

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#1 T Natarajan

Kolkata Knight Riders lacked an experienced bowler in the pace department. After the side released Mitchell Starc, they were left with relatively inexperienced Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora, who aren't known to put brakes on the opposition's scorecard.

Although Rana took 15 wickets, he had an average of 29.83 at an economy of over 10. Meanwhile, Arora picked up 17 wickets at an average of 25.29 and an economy of 10.11. Notably, the side also gave chances to Anrich Nortje, who ended with an average of 83, primarily due to him leaking 60 runs off his four overs against Sunrisers.

The franchise can make a major overhaul in the pace battery, and T Natarajan could be a credible option for them in filling this hole. Natarajan has a proven ability to secure consistent breakthroughs and choke the batters in the death overs with his precise line and lengths.

Unfortunately, Natarajan could only make a single appearance in IPL 2025 for Delhi Capitals, where he gave away 49 runs off his three overs against Gujarat Titans. Nevertheless, the left-arm pacer has scalped 67 wickets in 63 IPL games and can be a trusted option for the KKR team management.

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#2 Brydon Carse

Brydon Carse was inducted into the Sunrisers Hyderabad setup in the IPL 2025 auction. However, the English all-rounder was ruled out of the tournament after he sustained a toe injury in the Champions Trophy. In place of him, Wiaan Mulder was a part of the SRH squad.

If SRH intend to release Carse, KKR should jump in to secure Carse's services in the trading window, which closes a week before the next mini auction. The 29-year-old has variations and an optimum pace to offer with the ball, and can be a good option with the willow in the back-end of the innings.

With Andre Russell and Ramandeep Singh failing more often than not, the franchise can look up to Brydon Carse as a bowling all-rounder, who can provide a finishing touch.

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#3 Devon Conway

Devon Conway had a mediocre IPL 2025 season, where he garnered 156 runs in six innings at an average of 26, with a top knock of 69. Due to irregular contributions, it might be the end of Conway's stint with CSK in the cash-rich league.

Meanwhile, the Knight Riders also have some inconsistency at the top with openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (74 runs @ 18.50) and Quinton de Kock (152 runs @ 21.71). There weren't many occasions where they both smashed runs in tandem, and an opening slot could likely see a change from the next edition.

Devon Conway, who is also a top-order batter and a part-time keeper, can be the need of the hour for KKR. If KKR opens with Sunil Narine and Conway, the side could get a positive start in the powerplay. The Caribbean all-rounder can play his natural game, while Conway can steer the team safely.