India, March 12 -- Kolkata Knight Riders enter the IPL 2026 season looking to bounce back to their 2024 form, but it's a season of big changes. No more Andre Russell for the Knights, which might denote the end of an era. But this is a squad mixed with experience and exciting youth, which sets them up for a season where they could cause big damage if they find their groove.

With their fortress at the Eden Gardens, the team led by Ajinkya Rahane will know that strong home form will be essential to any sort of success this season. Although they start on the road, they have a hat-trick of matches on home turf to see out phase one of the season, and that might be enough to give them a winning start and set up the remainder of the season.

The...