Overview:
They have 13 available spots, including six for overseas players. Abhishek Nayar’s strategy will guide their choices.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have a major challenge ahead in the IPL 2026 auction after a tough 2025 season, where they finished eighth, following their third title win in 2024. The franchise made significant changes, including a coaching reshuffle. Chandrakant Pandit stepped down, and Abhishek Nayar took over as head coach. Dwayne Bravo continues as mentor, while Shane Watson and Tim Southee are new additions to the coaching staff. Furthermore, after 12 seasons with KKR, Andre Russell was released but rejoined as the new Power Coach after announcing his retirement from IPL.
KKR head into the IPL 2026 auction with the biggest purse of 64.3 crore INR, giving them the flexibility to target key players. They have 13 available spots, including six for overseas players. Abhishek Nayar’s strategy will guide their choices, and following his approach in the WPL auction, KKR are expected to be active in Abu Dhabi. A priority will be finding a replacement for Andre Russell, whose all-round skills will be missed. The new all-rounder will likely bat in the top order, with Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Rovman Powell expected to handle the finishing roles.
Players KKR Could Target in the IPL Auction
Cameron Green
KKR are likely to go for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. After battling injuries, Green has returned to international cricket and could be the ideal replacement for Andre Russell.
Green has already scored a century in the IPL, accumulating 707 runs in 29 matches, along with 16 wickets. He has also featured in 21 T20Is for Australia, amassing 521 runs at a strike rate exceeding 160.
Jamie Smith
KKR have been without a dynamic top-order hitter since Phil Salt’s departure. With Sunil Narine possibly reaching the end of his stint as an opener, Jamie Smith could step in. Known for his explosive batting and a strike rate of 190+ in five T20Is for England, Smith’s ability to bat in multiple positions makes him a promising option to restore the team’s firepower.
While Josh Inglis would have been a top candidate for this role, his unavailability for a long part of the tournament may force KKR to put their trust in Smith.
Matt Henry
Matt Henry, a bowler who has significantly improved in recent years, could be the seasoned overseas pacer KKR are looking for. In addition to his link with Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler has consistently challenged Indian batters in key tournaments.
Following an injury that cut his IPL campaign short last season, Henry is expected to return strong this year.
Matheesha Pathirana
CSK’s decision to release Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the auction came as a surprise. Pathirana, who claimed 47 wickets in 32 matches for the franchise, played a key role in their IPL 2023 title victory.
Although the Sri Lankan pacer struggled with consistency and injuries last year, he can turn a match around with his lethal yorkers and impressive bowling in death overs. While CSK may look to bring him back, KKR could make a strong push and possibly secure his services.
Prithvi Shaw
While it might seem like an unexpected choice, KKR could make a move for Prithvi Shaw. Known for his ability to dominate the power play, Shaw has caused issues for Kolkata in the past with his aggressive batting.
Abhishek Nayar, who admires Shaw’s talent, is excited about the prospect of working with him. If KKR secure a wicketkeeper who bats in the middle order, Shaw could be the perfect fit at the top. The 26-year-old has been impressive in SMAT, scoring 183 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 160.52.
Though it’s an unconventional pick, Shaw could be a smart addition to the three-time champions’ lineup.
KKR squad: Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Vaibhav Arora, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Varun Chakravarthy
Released Players : Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, Spencer Johnson, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Moeen Ali, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia, Mayank Markande (Traded to MI)