The Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Madhya Pradesh’s mystery spinner Shivam Shukla as a replacement for West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell for the remainder of the IPL 2025.
The development comes after Powell’s confirmation not to return for the rest of the season due to medical issues. Meanwhile, Moeen Ali has also confirmed that he will be not returning for the IPL resumption.
Kolkata Knight Riders has won only 5 wins out of 13 games out of the season and became the fourth team to be knocked out of tournament.
According to KKR statement, “Rovman is undergoing a procedure,” as the IPL 2025 resumed on Saturday following a brief suspension.
The 29 year old Shivam Shukla has only limited experience at the domestic experience, having just one Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season where he picked up eight wickets in as many matches, including 4-29 performance against Bengal.
🚨 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
He recently made headlines in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League, finishing as the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 10 scalps, including five wicket haul.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been washed off which made defending champions knocked out of the tournament.
The revised schedule has come at a cost, with several overseas stars unavailable for the remainder of the season, owing to international duties and personal reasons, potentially impacting team combinations in the playoffs race.
With Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings made it to the playoffs and Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad knocked out of the tournament, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants will be competing for the last playoffs spot.
Kolkata Knight Riders will be playing their next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 25 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
