The 2024 IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), didn’t enjoy the smoothest ride in the 2025 season. Without their explosive opener Phil Salt, who shifted to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), KKR struggled significantly at the top. Their opening pair averaged just 22.3 runs per innings, the third-lowest among all teams, and individually, the openers averaged 26.5, highlighting a critical weakness in their powerplay performance.
With that in mind, KKR are likely to scan the Indian domestic circuit for fresh talent — and the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) could be a goldmine. Here are three in-form TNPL batters KKR should seriously consider for IPL 2026.
Tushar Raheja – Tiruppur Tamizhans
If you’ve caught even a few moments of TNPL 2025, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed Tushar Raheja. The left-handed opener has been nothing short of electric. With 298 runs under his belt, he’s the tournament’s leading run-scorer so far, averaging 99.33 with a strike rate of 204.10.
What makes Raheja stand out is his ability to dominate the powerplay, a trait KKR desperately missed in 2025. He’s smashed 21 sixes and 29 fours this season — the most boundaries by any batter in the league. His aggressive, fearless style fits perfectly into KKR’s attacking brand of cricket and could provide the spark they need at the top of the order.
Shivam Singh – Dindigul Dragons
KKR also need consistency, and Shivam Singh offers plenty of it. Since the start of TNPL 2023, no batter has scored more runs than the Dindigul Dragons’ star. With 931 runs at an average of 51.72, Shivam is a proven performer, and his record includes the most half-centuries in this period.
Previously with Punjab Kings (PBKS), Singh brings valuable IPL exposure along with domestic consistency. His ability to bat long and score at a decent pace makes him a well-rounded top-order option. If KKR are after someone who can weather the storm early and keep the scoreboard ticking, Shivam fits the bill.
Nidhish Rajagopal – Salem Spartans
While openers are the priority, KKR could also look to strengthen their middle-order. That’s where Nidhish Rajagopal comes into play. The 25-year-old left-hander has shown great composure and skill against both pace and spin. He could be a solid option at No.3, especially if KKR go with an experienced anchor like Ajinkya Rahane at the top.
Nidhish has scored 263 runs against spin since TNPL 2023, with 16 sixes to his name, proving he’s more than capable of taking on slow bowlers. His versatility and youth make him an appealing long-term investment, particularly in a middle-order packed with aggressive stroke-makers.
Final Thoughts
KKR have always been a team that backs local Indian talent, and with the 2026 IPL auction ahead, the TNPL offers a great scouting ground. Whether it’s Raheja’s flair, Shivam’s consistency, or Nidhish’s balance, these three batters could be game-changers if given the right role and backing.
If KKR want to bounce back from their underwhelming 2025 campaign, tapping into TNPL’s brightest stars could be the first step.
