5 players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

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The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are entering the IPL 2026 mini-auction poised for a complete overhaul, armed with an unprecedented INR 64.30 crore, the largest available purse among all franchises.

Their disappointing 8th-place finish in IPL 2025, coupled with major releases (including Andre Russell and their frontline keepers), signals a determined shift in strategy. Under new head coach Abhishek Nayar, the focus is squarely on filling the massive structural vacancies: a long-term pace-bowling all-rounder, an express pace attack leader and an Indian wicketkeeper-batter. This massive financial advantage allows KKR to dominate the bidding for five marquee players who can immediately transform the squad’s balance, pace depth, and top-order firepower, ensuring they aggressively pursue a fourth IPL trophy.

1. Cameron Green (Overseas Pace-Bowling All-Rounder)

Cameron Green is anticipated to be KKR’s absolute top priority and the primary recipient of their massive purse. The Australian all-rounder is a generational talent, combining explosive, high-strike-rate batting (IPL SR over 153) with genuine fast-medium pace bowling. His acquisition instantly transforms KKR’s structural balance, providing a stable, multi-utility pillar who can bat high up the order or finish innings. KKR are prepared to set the overseas ceiling price (around ₹18 crore) to secure Green, solving their most crucial high-impact vacancy that was previously filled by Andre Russell.

2. Matheesha Pathirana (Overseas Express Pacer)

Following the release of multiple overseas pacers, KKR desperately needs a specialist quick, particularly one who excels in the death overs. Matheesha Pathirana, released by CSK, is the ideal candidate. Known for his unique sling-shot action and lethal death-overs yorkers, Pathirana is an irreplaceable, high-volume wicket-taker who solves a crucial structural weakness in KKR’s pace attack. KKR’s financial advantage makes them favourites to secure the young Sri Lankan pacer for a high price, giving them a genuine wicket-taking option for the crucial final five overs of an innings.

3. Anrich Nortje (Overseas Pace Attack Leader)

Anrich Nortje is a vital target for KKR despite his release, as the team needs a proven leader for their pace attack who can deliver express pace and consistency in the middle and death overs. The South African speedster was retained for a substantial sum in the past, reflecting his status as an elite foreign quick. While Nortje has faced fitness concerns, his ability to clock speeds over 150 km/h and disrupt opposition momentum is unmatched. Reacquiring him secures a world-class strike bowler who can mentor the young Indian fast bowlers and provide a vital wicket-taking option, should KKR choose to partner them.

Also READ: 5 players Delhi Capitals (DC) can target in the IPL 2026 auction

4. Venkatesh Iyer (Indian Batting All-Rounder)

The release of Venkatesh Iyer was a calculated financial risk, as KKR is expected to aggressively buy him back at a more reasonable price than his previous ₹23.75 crore retention fee. Iyer offers the indispensable dynamic left-handed top-order batting and can contribute overs of medium-pace, addressing the need for versatile Indian all-rounders. His high ceiling as a match-winner remains crucial to KKR’s domestic core, and his reacquisition ensures a strong, proven domestic talent is immediately injected back into the top half of their batting line-up, which is essential for team balance and continuity.

5. Kartik Sharma (Indian Wicketkeeper-Batter)

The most pressing vacancy for KKR is a frontline Indian wicketkeeper-batter after releasing all their keepers. Kartik Sharma, an uncapped 20-year-old and former DC player, is widely tipped to be the highest-paid uncapped player and KKR’s primary target for this role. Sharma is praised for his fearless, power-hitting ability (T20 SR over 162), making him a potential middle-order finisher alongside Rinku Singh. Securing this highly-rated domestic talent not only solves the crucial Indian keeper vacancy but also strengthens their death-overs batting firepower at a low base price, providing excellent value for a franchise looking to build for the long term.

Also READ: 5 players Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction