IPL 2025: Who is Shivam Shukla? The ‘mystery spinner’ signed by KKR as Rovman Powell’s replacement
IPL 2025: Who is Shivam Shukla? The ‘mystery spinner’ signed by KKR as Rovman Powell’s replacement
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has signed Madhya Pradesh spinner Shivam Shukla as a replacement for Rovman Powell for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the franchise announced on Sunday.
The decision comes after the former West Indies T20 captain refused to return to India, citing medical reasons, after IPL resumed on May 17.
KKR has already been eliminated from the playoff race after its match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on Saturday, was called off due to rain. It leaves the franchise with a solitary match in hand where the 29-year-old Shivan could play.
Shivam from Madhya Pradesh impressed in the inaugural edition of the Madhya Pradesh T20 League, where he took 10 wickets, including a fifer, to win the purple cap.
In the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he took eight wickets in as many matches for Madhya Pradesh, including a four-wicket haul against Saurashtra.
His exploits impressed scouts from Sunrisers Hyderabad, who roped him in as a net-bowler this season — a side he might play against on May 25 in KKR’s last game.
His induction only strengthens the spin unit of KKR, which already boasts of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy as dependable options.
