Sunil Narine remains one of the biggest match-winners and most impactful overseas players in IPL history. Since joining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2012, he has been the team’s backbone — both with the ball and as a surprise batting weapon. Entering IPL 2026, the West Indian superstar continues with KKR, retained for ₹12 crore, which highlights his unmatched value in the franchise.
With over 190 wickets, more than 1,700 runs, and a reputation for producing game-changing spells, Narine is still at the heart of KKR’s plans for the new season.
Sunil Narine IPL 2026 – Key Highlights
- Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- IPL 2026 Price: ₹12 Crore
- Role: Right-arm Off-spin Bowler & Left-hand Aggressive Batter
- IPL Debut: 2012
- Matches Played: 189
- Total Wickets: 192
- Total Runs: 1,780
- Best Bowling: 5/19
- Highest Score: 109
- Fifties/100s: 7 fifties, 1 hundred
- Known As: One of IPL’s greatest all-rounders
See Also: Shane Watson Appointed KKR Assistant Coach for IPL 2026
Why Sunil Narine Remains Key for IPL 2026
KKR retaining Sunil Narine for a massive ₹12 crore again for IPL 2026 speaks volumes about his importance. Even after 12+ seasons, he continues to:
- Control games in the powerplay and middle overs
- Pick crucial wickets
- Maintain a brilliant economy rate
- Provide explosive starts in the top order when needed
- Offer flexibility as an all-rounder
- Deliver experience and leadership on the field
Narine is one of the few players in IPL history who can win matches both with the ball and the bat.
Sunil Narine IPL Career Overview
Narine has been one of IPL’s most consistent and feared spinners. His variations, accuracy, and calm under pressure make him extraordinary. Over the years, he evolved into a destructive left-handed opener too.
Career Summary
| Career Stats | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Matches | 189 |
| Runs | 1,780 |
| Highest Score | 109 |
| Average | 17.62 |
| Strike Rate | 166.51 |
| 100s | 1 |
| 50s | 7 |
| Fours | 189 |
| Sixes | 116 |
| Wickets | 192 |
| Best Bowling | 5/19 |
| Economy | 6.80 |
| 4-Wicket Hauls | 7 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
Sunil Narine IPL 2025 Performance (Most Recent Season)
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches | 12 |
| Wickets | 12 |
| Best Bowling | 3/13 |
| Economy | 7.80 |
| Runs | 246 |
| Highest Score | 44 |
| Strike Rate | 170.83 |
Narine contributed as a well-rounded all-rounder with quick-fire runs and regular wickets.
Sunil Narine IPL Batting Stats Year-by-Year
| Season | Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | S/R | 100 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 246 | 44 | 22.36 | 170.83 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 15 | 488 | 109 | 34.86 | 180.74 | 1 | 3 |
| 2023 | 14 | 21 | 7* | 3.00 | 84.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 71 | 22 | 8.88 | 177.50 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 14 | 62 | 26 | 7.75 | 131.91 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 10 | 121 | 64 | 13.44 | 142.35 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 12 | 143 | 47 | 17.87 | 166.27 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 16 | 357 | 75 | 22.31 | 189.89 | 0 | 2 |
| 2017 | 16 | 224 | 54 | 17.23 | 172.30 | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 7.00 | 53.84 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 8 | 0 | 0* | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 5.00 | 71.42 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 16 | 21 | 13 | 7.00 | 110.52 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 15 | 9 | 9* | 9.00 | 128.57 | 0 | 0 |
Sunil Narine IPL Bowling Stats Year-by-Year
| Season | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 270 | 351 | 12 | 29.25 | 7.80 | 3/13 |
| 2024 | 330 | 368 | 17 | 21.65 | 6.69 | 2/22 |
| 2023 | 288 | 383 | 11 | 34.82 | 7.98 | 3/33 |
| 2022 | 336 | 312 | 9 | 34.67 | 5.57 | 2/21 |
| 2021 | 336 | 361 | 16 | 22.56 | 6.44 | 4/21 |
| 2020 | 228 | 302 | 5 | 60.40 | 7.94 | 2/28 |
| 2019 | 266 | 347 | 10 | 34.70 | 7.82 | 2/19 |
| 2018 | 366 | 467 | 17 | 27.47 | 7.65 | 3/18 |
| 2017 | 354 | 412 | 10 | 41.20 | 6.98 | 2/29 |
| 2016 | 257 | 304 | 11 | 27.63 | 7.09 | 3/26 |
| 2015 | 192 | 234 | 7 | 33.42 | 7.31 | 4/19 |
| 2014 | 384 | 407 | 21 | 19.38 | 6.35 | 4/20 |
| 2013 | 384 | 350 | 22 | 15.90 | 5.46 | 4/13 |
| 2012 | 355 | 324 | 24 | 13.50 | 5.47 | 5/19 |
Sunil Narine IPL Fielding Stats
| Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Total Catches | 36 |
| Stumping | 0 |
Sunil Narine IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ₹12.50 Cr | KKR |
| 2019 | ₹12.50 Cr | KKR |
| 2020 | ₹12.50 Cr | KKR |
| 2021 | ₹12.50 Cr | KKR |
| 2022 | ₹6.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2023 | ₹6.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2024 | ₹6.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2025 | ₹12.00 Cr | KKR |
| 2026 | ₹12.00 Cr (Retained) | KKR |
He remains one of the most valued foreign players in the entire league.
Sunil Narine – Last 10 IPL Bowling Innings
| No. | Match | Figures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs SRH | 2/42 |
| 2 | vs CSK | 0/28 |
| 3 | vs RR | 0/27 |
| 4 | vs DC | 3/29 |
| 5 | vs PBKS | 0/35 |
| 6 | vs GT | 0/36 |
| 7 | vs PBKS | 2/14 |
| 8 | vs CSK | 3/13 |
| 9 | vs LSG | 0/38 |
| 10 | vs SRH | 1/30 |
Also Read: Abhishek Nayar Appointed as KKR Head Coach for IPL 2026
Sunil Narine’s Role in IPL 2026
For IPL 2026, Narine is expected to play a multi-dimensional role:
- Lead spinner in KKR’s bowling attack
- Powerplay enforcer with the ball
- Flexible batter (opener or lower-order accelerator)
- Match-winning all-rounder in crunch moments
- Mentor figure for young spinners in the squad
His ability to change a match within a couple of overs makes him irreplaceable.
Conclusion
Sunil Narine enters IPL 2026 as one of the most valuable and iconic players in the history of the league. With 192 wickets, a sensational economy rate, and a growing reputation as a fearless attacking batter, he continues to be a pillar for Kolkata Knight Riders.
KKR retaining him for ₹12 crore shows the massive trust and belief they have in his skills—even after more than a decade. As the new season approaches, Narine remains one of the biggest X-factors and a proven match-winner who can turn games with both ball and bat.
