Kulwant Khejroliya

Kulwant Khejroliya

Role: Bowler
DOB: 02 March 1995
IPL Team (2026): Kolkata Knight Riders
Base Price: ₹20 Lakh

The Story of Kulwant Khejroliya

Hailing from Rajasthan, Kulwant Khejroliya’s journey to the IPL spotlight has been one of perseverance and raw pace. A left-arm fast-medium bowler, Khejroliya first made waves in the domestic circuit with his ability to generate serious speed and an awkward angle for right-handers. His late entry into top-tier cricket, making his List A debut at 22, only fueled his hunger to prove himself on the big stage. It was his impressive performances for Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that first caught the eye of IPL scouts, promising a bowler who could add crucial variety to any attack.

Khejroliya’s IPL dream began in 2017 when he was picked up by Mumbai Indians, though he didn’t get a game. His true IPL debut came in 2018 for Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he quickly showcased glimpses of his potential. In a high-pressure match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he picked up his maiden IPL wicket, dismissing the dangerous Shikhar Dhawan, a moment that underlined his capability to perform against top-tier batsmen. His playing style is characterized by a high-arm action, a deceptive bouncer, and the ability to swing the ball early on, making him a potent threat in the powerplay and a handy option in the middle overs.

Despite periods on the sidelines, Khejroliya has consistently worked on his craft, refining his death bowling skills and variations. His return to the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023 marked a significant chapter, where he played a more prominent role. He proved to be a vital component in KKR’s bowling attack, often tasked with breaking partnerships or delivering crucial overs. His ability to hit the deck hard and extract bounce, combined with his left-arm angle, makes him a unique proposition in the fast-bowling landscape of the IPL, always capable of a match-turning spell.

IPL Journey: Team by Team

Kulwant Khejroliya’s IPL career has seen him don the jerseys of multiple franchises, each stint adding to his experience. His journey began in 2017 when Mumbai Indians acquired him for his base price of ₹10 Lakh, though he remained on the bench throughout the season. The 2018 auction saw a significant jump in his value, with Royal Challengers Bangalore securing his services for a hefty ₹85 Lakh. He played 3 matches for RCB in 2018, picking up 2 wickets, and was retained for the 2019 season where he featured in one game.

Following two seasons without an IPL contract in 2020 and 2021, Khejroliya made a comeback in 2022, bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹20 Lakh, though he didn’t get a game. His fortunes turned in 2023 when Kolkata Knight Riders picked him up for his base price of ₹20 Lakh. This move proved fruitful, as he played 5 matches, picking up 3 crucial wickets and showing improved control. KKR retained him for the 2024 season, where he continued to be a part of their pace battery, playing 2 matches. For the 2026 season, Khejroliya is expected to continue with the Kolkata Knight Riders, a testament to his value as an experienced domestic left-arm pacer.

What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective

From a betting standpoint, Kulwant Khejroliya presents an interesting case, primarily as a wicket-taking option rather than a miserly one. His left-arm angle is a significant asset, creating difficult lines for right-handed batsmen and offering a unique challenge in the powerplay. Bettors should consider backing him in “Player to take X+ wickets” markets, especially on pitches that offer some bounce or movement. He has a knack for picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs, often breaking partnerships with his variations, including a well-disguised slower ball and a sharp bouncer.

However, Khejroliya’s economy rate can be a concern, often hovering around the 9.00-9.50 mark. This makes him a riskier bet for “Player Economy Rate Under X” markets, particularly on flat, high-scoring tracks. He can be targeted by aggressive batsmen if his lines and lengths aren’t precise. Strategic betting on Khejroliya involves evaluating the opposition’s batting lineup (teams with a top-heavy right-handed order might struggle against his angle) and the pitch conditions. He thrives when given the freedom to attack and hunt for wickets, rather than simply containing runs. Look for matchups where he’s bowling against batsmen who are susceptible to pace and bounce early in their innings.

Key Records & Milestones

• IPL Debut: Made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018.
• First IPL Wicket: Dismissed Shikhar Dhawan of Sunrisers Hyderabad in his debut season (2018).
• Best IPL Figures: Achieved his best bowling figures of 2/33 against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023.
• Left-Arm Pace Variety: One of the few left-arm fast-medium bowlers to play multiple seasons in the IPL.

IPL Season Highlights

Kulwant Khejroliya’s most impactful IPL season came in 2023 with the Kolkata Knight Riders. He featured in 5 matches, proving to be a valuable asset with his ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures. His standout performance was against Chennai Super Kings, where he picked up 2 wickets for 33 runs, including the important scalp of Ajinkya Rahane, helping KKR restrict the formidable CSK batting lineup. He consistently provided breakthroughs, showcasing improved control and variations, making him a reliable option for Captain Nitish Rana.

His debut season in 2018 with Royal Challengers Bangalore also offered glimpses of his potential. Playing 3 matches, Khejroliya picked up 2 wickets. In a memorable spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he not only claimed his maiden IPL wicket but also demonstrated his raw pace and ability to challenge top batsmen. Though his numbers weren’t spectacular, his performances were enough to earn him retention for the subsequent season, highlighting the promise he showed early in his IPL career.