Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced the signing of Madhya Pradesh spinner Shivam Shukla as a replacement for West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) on Sunday.
The announcement comes as KKR prepare for their final league match of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) scheduled on May 25, aiming to bolster their spin bowling options despite being eliminated from the tournament.
Powell’s absence, attributed to medical reasons, has prompted the franchise to turn to the uncapped mystery spinner to fill the void.
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Also read: IPL 2025 Points Table After RCB vs KKR Got Abandoned Due To Rain
Who is Shivam Shukla?
Shivam, a mystery spinner from Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as a surprise pick for KKR in IPL 2025. The tweaker recently made his mark in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, where he claimed eight wickets in eight matches, showcasing his ability to deceive batters with his variations. He picked up a four-wicket haul versus Bengal.
In the Madhya Pradesh T20 2024, Shivam bagged 10 scalps in four innings at an economy-rate of 6.94. He was the highest wicket-keeper of the season.
His performances caught the attention of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who roped him in as a net bowler earlier this season, providing him valuable exposure to the IPL environment.
Ultimately, as Powell did not return to India for the phase two of the IPL 2025, Shivam was roped in by KKR.
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KKR Bow Out of IPL 2025 Playoff Race
Shivam’s signing follows a challenging season for KKR, who have been eliminated from the playoff contention after a rain-abandoned match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side are currently placed sixth on the IPL 2025 points table with 12 points.
With only one game left, the defending champions are keen to end their campaign on a high note, and Shivam’s inclusion is expected to add a fresh dimension to their squad. The franchise, known for its strong spin bowling unit led by Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, sees Shivam as a promising talent capable of making an impact in the T20 format.
Also read: 3 Reasons Why Defending Champions KKR Got Knocked Out Of IPL 2025
