IPL 2026: 3 players KKR should target in auction

KKR have a total of 13 slots available.

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) mini-auction is just around the corner and is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. A total of 350 players have been shortlisted to go under the hammer, including 240 Indian players and 110 overseas players.

With 77 slots remaining to be filled, the excitement around the IPL auction continues to grow. Kolkata Knight Riders will enter the auction with the highest purse of 64.3 crores. Ahead of the auction, they released several key players, including Quinton de Kock, Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell.

However, following the announcement of Russell’s release, he revealed his retirement from the IPL and subsequently joined KKR as a power coach, once again showcasing his loyalty to the franchise.

Armed with a massive budget, the Knight Riders are expected to engage in bidding wars with multiple teams to secure their preferred targets. On that note, let’s take a look at three players KKR should consider targeting in the mini-auction.

3. Venkatesh Iyer

Kolkata bought Venkatesh Iyer at last year’s mega-auction for a whopping 23.75 crores, but his performances that season did not justify the hefty price tag.

As a result, KKR have released him ahead of this auction, though they may still be keen to bring him back at a lower price. Iyer has been phenomenal for KKR in previous seasons, playing several crucial knocks in high-pressure matches.

He also provides a useful medium-pace bowling option, adding balance to the side. Given his familiarity with the franchise and proven match-winning ability, KKR could look to bring him back, this time at a more reasonable cost.”

2. Matheesha Pathirana

KKR should also target death-overs specialist Matheesha Pathirana. The Chennai Super Kings released him ahead of the auction. Pathirana is expected to attract big bids in the mini-auction due to high demand and limited availability of quality death bowlers.

Several teams are likely to go after him, as he is regarded as one of the best death bowlers in world cricket. His slingy action, similar to that of the great Lasith Malinga, makes him extremely difficult for batters to pick.

With the highest purse at the auction, KKR would be eager to bring him into their squad, especially since death-overs bowling was one of the areas they struggled with last season. The addition of Pathirana would effectively address that weakness and significantly strengthen their bowling attack.

1. Cameron Green

Cameron Green is expected to fetch a very high price in the IPL 2026 auction. He did not participate in last year’s mega-auction due to injury and is set to make his return to the league this season.

KKR are among the teams likely to show strong interest in him. They may go all out for Green, given his versatility; he can bat at any position and also provide a medium-pace bowling option, especially in the middle overs.

His ability to contribute in multiple departments makes him a valuable asset in the T20 format and offers teams greater flexibility in team combinations. While several other franchises are expected to bid for him, KKR’s status as the team with the biggest purse could give them a clear advantage.

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