Rahul Tripathi Back to KKR for IPL 2026 – A Smart Value Pick: Rahul Tripathi, one of the most reliable and fearless middle-order batters in the IPL, is set to don the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) jersey again in IPL 2026.
At the mini-auction, KKR secured him for ₹75 lakh, making him one of the most experienced bargain signings of the season.
Tripathi has played 100 IPL matches, scored 2,291 runs, and delivered several impactful knocks over the years. His ability to bat anywhere in the top and middle order makes him a valuable addition for KKR’s flexible batting plans.
Rahul Tripathi IPL 2026 – Team, Price & Salary
Rahul Tripathi IPL 2026 Contract Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IPL 2026 Team | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹75 lakh |
| Base Price | ₹50 lakh (assumed category based on auction set) |
| Role | Batter |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| IPL Debut | 2017 |
| Age in 2026 | 34 years |
Tripathi’s return to KKR gives them a dependable Indian batter who can accelerate from ball one and handle pressure situations.
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Rahul Tripathi IPL Career Overview
Over the years, Tripathi has built a reputation as a dynamic T20 batter with clean hitting, fearless strokeplay, and game-changing cameos. He has represented multiple teams, including RPS, RR, KKR, SRH, and CSK, before being picked again by KKR for 2026.
Rahul Tripathi IPL Career Stats (Up to 2025)
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches | 100 |
| Runs | 2,291 |
| Average | 26.33 |
| Strike Rate | 137.85 |
| Highest Score | 93 |
| 50s | 12 |
| Fours | 229 |
| Sixes | 85 |
| Catches | 34 |
Tripathi’s strike rate above 135 across 100 matches highlights his consistency and attacking style in the T20 format.
Rahul Tripathi IPL Season-by-Season Summary
Recent IPL Performances
| Season | Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (CSK) | 5 | 55 | 23 | 11.00 | 96.49 | 0 |
| 2024 (SRH) | 6 | 165 | 55 | 27.50 | 143.48 | 1 |
| 2023 (SRH) | 13 | 273 | 74* | 22.75 | 128.17 | 1 |
| 2022 (SRH) | 14 | 413 | 76 | 37.55 | 158.24 | 3 |
| 2021 (KKR) | 17 | 397 | 74* | 28.35 | 140.28 | 2 |
Best Years
- 2022 remains his peak season with 413 runs, 3 fifties, and a strike rate of 158+.
- Consistently impactful in playoffs during earlier KKR stints.
Rahul Tripathi Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ₹3.40 Cr | RR |
| 2019 | ₹3.40 Cr | RR |
| 2020 | ₹60 lakh | KKR |
| 2021 | ₹60 lakh | KKR |
| 2022 | ₹8.50 Cr | SRH |
| 2023 | ₹8.50 Cr | SRH |
| 2024 | ₹8.50 Cr | SRH |
| 2025 | ₹3.40 Cr | CSK |
| 2026 | ₹75 lakh | KKR |
KKR getting him at ₹75 lakh in 2026 is a huge value compared to his earlier ₹8.5 crore contract.
Rahul Tripathi Latest Records & Notable Highlights
Key Strengths
- Aggressive powerplay batting
- Excellent against spin
- Can anchor innings or accelerate
- Strong fielder with 34 IPL catches
Recent Form Snapshot (Last 10 IPL Innings)
Tripathi’s recent matches reflect mixed returns but highlight valuable contributions in playoff games.
| Match vs Opponent | Runs |
|---|---|
| Match 30 vs LSG | 9 (10) |
| Match 25 vs KKR | 16 (22) |
| Match 11 vs RR | 23 (19) |
| Match 8 vs RCB | 5 (3) |
| Match 3 vs MI | 2 (3) |
| Qualifier 2 vs SRH | 37 (15) |
| Qualifier 1 vs KKR | 55 (35) |
| Match 69 vs SRH | 33 (18) |
| Match 23 vs PBKS | 11 (14) |
His playoff knocks remain a strong indicator of his temperament in pressure moments.
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Rahul Tripathi IPL 2026 Role Expectation at KKR
KKR could use Tripathi in:
- No. 3 or No. 4, as an aggressive middle-order option
- Situations demanding tempo change
- Providing stability when early wickets fall
- Mentoring younger Indian batters
His experience makes him an important rotational and impact player for KKR’s batting depth.
Conclusion
Rahul Tripathi’s move to KKR for IPL 2026 at ₹75 lakh is one of the smartest picks of this auction. With 2,000+ IPL runs, proven match-winning knocks, and a wealth of experience, Tripathi adds both stability and aggression to KKR’s batting unit.
Fans can expect him to play a flexible role—anchoring, counter-attacking, and guiding youngsters—making him a key Indian batter for Kolkata in IPL 2026.
