The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the carnival of cricketing excellence, attracting top talent from around the globe and providing a platform for them to shine. Over the years, the cash-rich league has seen numerous cricketers don the jerseys of multiple franchises. Two prominent teams, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly Kings XI Punjab, have shared several players who have left their mark on both franchises.
The finalists of 2014, KKR and PBKS, have been a breeding ground for exceptional talent. Both franchises have showcased brilliant strokeplay, tight bowling and blistering fielding, giving rise to some of the most promising stars in the cricketing world.
4 cricketers who have played for both KKR and Punjab Kings in IPL T20
1. Shreyas Iyer
Stylish batter and the former skipper of defending champions KKR, Shreyas Iyer, is one of the most talked players who have represented both sides in the IPL. It was Iyer who led Kolkata to their third title triumph in 2024 after a long wait of 10 years. In 2024, the-right hander scored 352 runs in 15 matches with an outstanding average of 39.
Under coach Ricky Ponting’s guidance, Iyer overcame his struggles against short-pitched deliveries, marking a successful new chapter with PBKS. Currently, he is leading the Punjab team with 5 wins in 8 games.
2. Varun Chakravarthy
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy had a short stint with KXIP in 2019, before becoming a cornerstone of KKR’s bowling attack from 2020 onward. With KKR, Chakravarthy emerged as a leading wicket-taker, claiming 21 wickets in IPL 2024 and 20 in 2023. His variations, including the carrom ball and googly, baffled batters, making him a match-winner on spin-friendly pitches. Chakravarthy’s evolution from a lesser-known spinner in IPL to India’s T20I spin spearhead underscores his perseverance and skill.
3. Rinku Singh
Rinku Singh, a dynamic right-handed batter, is renowned for his explosive knocks down the order. Starting his IPL journey with KXIP in 2017, Rinku’s career gained momentum when he joined KKR in 2018. With KKR, he turned into a clutch finisher, showcasing his ability to accelerate the scoring rate and finish games with flair. Rinku’s 5-sixes against Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2023 still regarded the as the greatest finish ever in the IPL. So far, Rinku has scored over 1200 runs in the IPL with a sensational strike rate of 143.70.
4. Lockie Ferguson
New Zealand’s fiery pacer Lockie Ferguson also made it to the list. The 33-year-old Ferguson played for KKR during 2019-2021 and 2023, where his express speed and ability to bowl difficult overs stood out. In IPL 2025, he joined PBKS, becoming a vital part of their pace attack before an injury sidelined him. Ferguson’s ability to hit the deck hard and generate bounce made him a challenging bowler on Indian pitches. His stints with both teams showcased his potential as a T20 specialist, though injuries occasionally hampered his consistency.
Also READ: Ricky Ponting’s wife – Meet Rianna Jennifer Cantor, an avid Punjab Kings supporter in IPL 2025
