New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed mystery spinner Shivam Shukla of Madhya Pradesh as a replacement for the injured Rovman Powell for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Shukla, who was with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as a net bowler, has been roped in by the defending champions only for their last remaining game of the season, as they have already been knocked out of the tournament.
KKR announced the development on Sunday, a day after their title defence ended with a rain-abandoned game in Bengaluru as IPL 2025 resumed after a break of nine days. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side has only a solitary match left to play – against SRH in Delhi next Sunday (May 25). Shukla will be part of the KKR squad as a temporary replacement for the SRH clash in the national capital.
The decision came after KKR officially announced that Powell and Moeen Ali won’t be returning for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season owing to “medical reasons.” The franchise had said in a statement that “Rovman is undergoing a procedure” as the tournament eyed resumption after a temporary suspension.
🚨 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
Who is Shivam Shukla?
Born on December 11, 1995, in Panna city of Madhya Pradesh, Shukla is a right-arm legbreak bowler who plays under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar in the state team. The 29-year-old has only played one season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, in which he claimed eight wickets in as many games, including the best figures of 4/29 against Bengal.
He recently impressed during the latest season of the Madhya Pradesh T20 Premier League, where he was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament playing for Rewa Jaguars, taking 10 wickets, inclusive of a five-for. Although short in stature, he carries an action like that of Saeed Ajmal, which helps him deceive the batters with the variations.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have roped in Shivam Shukla to replace Rovman Powell for the remainder of IPL 2025 season. The Caribbean player didn’t return for IPL’s resumption due to medical reasons. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
