KKR has let go of one of their most reliable players, Andre Russell, who has returned to the franchise as a power coach. This bolsters their coaching staff but significantly impacts their squad for the upcoming season.
The Kolkata Knight Riders enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with the largest budget and a significant identity challenge in the league. While they maintain their spin-heavy strategy, they’ve lost much of the strength that contributed to their effective batting and death bowling.
Heading into the auction, KKR has 12 players, including Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ajinkya Rahane, and others, along with INR 64.30 crore to fill 13 slots, including six overseas positions.
Current Standings of KKR Before the Auction
The team can already field a nearly complete starting XI: Rahane and Angkrish up front, Manis and Rinku in the middle, Powell as a power hitter, and a spin trio of Narine, Anukul, and Varun, backed by pacers Harshit, Vaibhav, and Umran. Their lineup is heavily geared towards spin and Indian pace, lacking finesse in the death overs.
Analyzing their release list, KKR has shifted on from notable players such as Russell, Iyer, and Quinton de Kock. They’ve removed essential power-hitting, top-order wicketkeeper batters, and overseas fast bowlers. The main areas needing attention for the three-time champions include a fast-bowling all-rounder, a first-choice wicketkeeper, and a dependable death-bowling specialist.
Five Targeted Players for KKR in the Auction
1. Cameron Green
To replace Andre Russell’s impactful presence, KKR could target Cameron Green, who has shown proven IPL performances with the Mumbai Indians. Green fits well at number four or five, allowing Rinku more opportunities as a finisher. He is likely to command a bidding range of INR 18-20 crore, and with INR 64.30 crore at their disposal, KKR is well-placed to make a serious bid.
2. Matheesha Pathirana
With the release of Nortje and Johnson, KKR is in need of an overseas quick who can excel in the death overs. Matheesha Pathirana, available at an INR 2 crore base price, fits this niche perfectly. His unique bowling style is effective for Eden’s playing surface, making him a crucial target, though a bidding war with other teams seems likely.
3. Tushar Raheja
KKR might need to think creatively when searching for a wicketkeeper. While high-profile names are enticing, Tushar Raheja stands out with an INR 30 lakh base price. He’s been a top performer in the domestic circuit and provides a form and efficiency as an Indian player, which could pair well with a more experienced overseas option.
4. Finn Allen
Finn Allen, with a base price of INR 2 crore, is one of the most explosive top-order batsmen available. His presence can add much-needed aggression to KKR’s lineup. Since Allen is also a wicketkeeper, he can provide valuable cover for the team while allowing for Raheja’s development.
5. Left-arm Pace Options: Joshua Little/Fazalhaq Farooqi
KKR’s current fast bowling lineup lacks a left-arm option, and players like Joshua Little and Fazalhaq Farooqi would fill that gap effectively, with base prices of INR 75 lakhs and INR 1 crore, respectively. Adding one of them along with Pathirana could provide a balanced pace attack adaptable to various conditions.
If KKR secures assets like Green, Pathirana, Allen, and Raheja, plus a strong left-arm pacer and some promising uncapped all-rounders, they will be well on their way to a substantial rebuild, emerging as a formidable force once again in the IPL.
