Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Madhya Pradesh mystery spinner Shivam Shukla as a replacement for West Indies power-hitter Rovman Powell for the remainder of IPL 2025. Powell did not return to India after the league resumed post-suspension on May 17, paving the way for Shukla’s inclusion.
Shukla, 29, is set to feature in just one game for KKR, as the defending champions have already been eliminated from playoff contention. Their final league game will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 25 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The Knight Riders were officially knocked out after their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
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Shukla made his mark in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, picking up 8 wickets from 8 matches at an impressive economy of 6.30. His standout spell came against Bengal, where he returned figures of 4-0-29-4 in Rajkot.
🚨 The mystery spinner from MP is a Knight now!
Shivam Shukla replaces Rovman Powell for the remainder of the #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/usUoOnFzLG
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 18, 2025
KKR’s season has been a stop-start affair. After losing their opener to RCB, they managed back-to-back wins against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. However, a narrow defeat to Chennai Super Kings derailed their playoff push, and they never truly recovered. Currently sitting sixth with 12 points from 13 games, KKR will aim to finish the season on a high.
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Though their title defense hasn’t gone to plan, the final game gives Rahane’s men a chance to salvage some pride. With nothing left to lose, they may give Shukla a debut cap and hope to end the season with a silver lining.
