Kolkata Knight Riders Sign Shivam Shukla as Replacement for Rovman Powell
KKR Makes Strategic Move
The Kolkata Knight Riders have officially brought in Madhya Pradesh spinner Shivam Shukla to replace West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. Powell participated in only two matches this season, managing to score a mere five runs at a strike rate of 100.
Short-Term Addition
Shukla's inclusion is intended as a temporary solution. With KKR already out of contention for the playoffs, the 29-year-old spinner is expected to play just one match, which will be their final league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 25 in New Delhi.
Elimination Confirmed
The recent match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which was washed out, confirmed KKR's exit from the tournament, marking them as the fourth team to be eliminated, following CSK, RR, and SRH.
Current Standings
Ajinkya Rahane's team is currently positioned sixth in the standings, having accumulated 12 points from 13 matches, with a net run rate of +0.193. Their upcoming match presents a chance to conclude the season positively and provide Shukla with an opportunity to showcase his skills on a larger platform.
Introducing Shivam Shukla
Who is Shivam Shukla?
Shivam Shukla, a leg-break bowler from Madhya Pradesh, has steadily gained recognition in domestic T20 cricket. In his eight professional T20 matches, he has taken eight wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.30.
Recently, he shone in the Madhya Pradesh League, emerging as the top wicket-taker with 10 wickets in just four matches for the Rewa Jaguars.
Additionally, Shukla was part of the net bowling team for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, where he gained valuable experience in the IPL environment. Known for his mystery spin and precise bowling, his unexpected call-up to the KKR squad could provide him with a taste of elite cricket, albeit for just one match.
Social Media Announcement
🚨 The mystery spinner from MP is a Knight now!
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 18, 2025
Shivam Shukla replaces Rovman Powell for the remainder of the #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/usUoOnFzLG