IPL 2026: Venkatesh Iyer? Andre Russell? Aaron Finch names the players KKR should retain ahead of mini-auction

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is fast approaching, with November 15 marking the final date for franchises to submit their retention lists. Consequently, teams have already begun strategic discussions, trades and crucial decisions on which players to keep.

Among them are the three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who clinched the title in the 2024 edition. However, the franchise suffered a disastrous reversal of fortunes in the subsequent 2025 season under the new captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, ultimately finishing eighth in the ten-team table and missing out on the playoffs. This sharp decline from champions to a bottom-half team has forced KKR to re-evaluate their expensive buys and core players ahead of the upcoming mini-auction.

During an exclusive chat with Star Sports, former Australian T20 captain Aaron Finch gave his definitive “Hold” or “Fold” verdict on several high-profile KKR players ahead of the retention deadline, generally advising the team to release expensive, underperforming assets to build a stronger, more balanced squad. The most notable “Fold” was for Venkatesh Iyer, whom KKR purchased for a staggering 23.75 crore, with Finch stating: “It’s too high for a player that they bought as an opening batter, but then used in the middle. Didn’t really bowl him all that much. That’s way too much to pay for a player playing out of position. I’m going to fold.”

The legendary all-rounder Andre Russell was also on the release list for Finch, who remarked, “Contentious one. I’m going to fold, but I think that you could get a great trade. But we know that they’re not going to do it. They never released Dre Russ.”

Finch also chose to “fold to free up a little bit of space” on Quinton de Kock, adding, “And if you have to, you can always buy him back.” Veteran Indian batter Manish Pandey received the final “Fold” verdict with a nod to the future: “Manish, I’m going to fold. I think he’s been a wonderful player, but the next generation it’s their time to lead.” The only player Finch was willing to “hold” despite a high price was the Australian pacer Spencer Johnson, arguing, “Spencer Johnson. I think the best is still in front of him. The more T20 plays, the better he’ll get. I’m going to hold, even though it’s at a high price.”

Also READ: Kolkata Knight Riders: 5 Indian players KKR can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction

The KKR have had a storied, albeit streaky, history in the IPL, winning the title three times in 2012, 2014, and most recently in 2024 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, making them one of the league’s most successful franchises. Their early years under Sourav Ganguly were marked by inconsistent performances, but the team truly transformed under Gautam Gambhir, who led them to their first two titles. However, the 2025 season was a stark and disastrous contrast to their championship run. Having parted ways with their title-winning captain Iyer, KKR appointed Rahane as captain for the IPL 2025 edition, with Venkatesh Iyer named his deputy.

Despite Rahane being an experienced Indian international, the team performed woefully, winning only five of their 14 league matches and finishing eighth in the ten-team table. Key players failed to perform, most notably Venkatesh, who was bought for a record price but had a disappointing campaign, managing only a meager 142 runs at an average of 20.28 in the season, which was a significant factor in the team’s downfall. The sudden change in leadership, combined with the lack of performance from their most expensive signing and the overall inconsistent output from the overseas contingent, led to a disastrous title defense and now necessitates a complete overhaul of the squad composition ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Also READ: Kolkata Knight Riders: 3 overseas players KKR can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction