IPL 2026 Full Team Squad List KKR: Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are playing a defining role at the IPL 2026 Mini Auction, tahte is being held in Abu Dhabi. Armed with the biggest purse among all franchises, KKR will walk into the auction with Rs 64.3 crore and 13 slots to fill, including six overseas positions.
After lifting the IPL trophy in 2024, the franchise endured a sharp decline in form last season, finishing eighth on the points table. The disappointing campaign has forced the management to reassess its squad composition and approach the mini auction with a clear rebuilding strategy.
Focus on rebuilding after disappointing 2025 season
One of KKR’s primary objectives will be to secure a wicketkeeper-batter capable of opening the innings, a role the team struggled to settle last season. The franchise is also expected to prioritise strengthening its middle order and bowling depth as it looks to regain consistency ahead of IPL 2026.
Several high-profile names were released ahead of the auction, signalling a shift in direction. Among them was Andre Russell, who later announced his retirement from the IPL, leaving a significant void in the all-rounder department. The release of Russell has made the hunt for a powerful overseas all-rounder a key talking point for KKR.
All-rounders and overseas pacer top auction priorities
With Russell no longer part of the setup, KKR are expected to target players who can offer balance with both bat and ball. Names like Cameron Green and Liam Livingstone are likely to attract the franchise’s interest as potential replacements. Additionally, the team is in the market for an overseas fast bowler after parting ways with Spencer Johnson and Anrich Nortje.
IPL 2026 Auction: KKR Retained Players
Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy.
IPL 2026: KKR Released Players
Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia, Moeen Ali, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Spencer Johnson, Venkatesh Iyer, Mayank Markande (traded to Mumbai Indians).
Massive purse gives KKR strong bidding power
With Rs 64.3 crore remaining, KKR have significant financial flexibility to aggressively pursue marquee players and emerging talent. How effectively they utilise this advantage at the Abu Dhabi auction could shape the franchise’s fortunes in IPL 2026, as they look to bounce back into title contention.
KKR players purchased in Auction 2026
Cameron Green (Rs 25.20 crore), Finn Allen (Rs 2 crore), Matheesha Pathirana (Rs 18 crore), Tejasvi Singh (Rs 3 crore), Kartik Tyagi (Rs 30 lakh), Prashant Solanki (Rs 30 lakh), Tim Seifert (Rs. 1.50 crore), Mustafizur Rahman (Rs 9.20 crore)