IPL 2026 Mini Auction: Three Players Kolkata Knight Riders Should Target

The IPL 2026 mini auction countdown has begun, with the franchises adjusting their strategies for the event set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. A total of 350 players, made up of 240 Indians and 110 overseas cricketers, will be auctioned as teams aim to fill gaps and enhance their squads.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) among all franchises are in a strong position to go for the auction. The two-time IPL champions are expected to be aggressive bidders with 13 slots available and a whopping ₹64.3 crore purse — the largest in the auction.

KKR was in the limelight before the auction for letting go of many big names, including Quinton de Kock, Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell. Though Russell has announced his retirement from the IPL, he remains tied to the franchise as he has been appointed head coach of KKR’s support staff, which emphasizes the strong bond he has had with the team for a long time.

KKR has the financial backing plus the specific squad requirements, thus let's have a look at three players the franchise should really consider going for in the IPL 2026 mini auction.

3. Venkatesh Iyer — An Old Favorite Worth Reinvestment

The Kolkata franchise spent ₹23.75 crore to get Venkatesh Iyer at the previous mega auction, but his performance didn't come up to expectations and he was released before IPL 2026.

Nonetheless, Iyer in a KKR jersey is more than a number. He has been instrumental for the franchise in high-pressure situations and is quite a hard-core team member who knows the culture and expectations of the team better than most.

He is a left-handed batsman and a medium-pacer who is capable of providing a perfect blend of bowling and batting. If KKR can bring him back with a more sensible price tag, once again, he might turn out to be their middle-order trump card.

2. Matheesha Pathirana — Fixing the Final Overs Issue

Mini auction is likely to see one of the most wanted players, Matheesha Pathirana, who was cut loose by Chennai Super Kings before the event.

Described by many as the best death-overs bowler in the cricket world, Pathirana's special slingy action — and Lasith Malinga-like— makes him really hard to bat, especially in the dying overs.

Last season, KKR's death-overs execution wasn't always on point, but a specialist like Pathirana could really alter the dynamics of their bowling attack. With the options in this category being very limited, a bidding war is very likely—but KKR's large purse puts them in a very strong position.

1. Cameron Green — the Supreme T20 Overall Package

Cameron Green, one of the most adaptable all-rounders in today's T20 cricket, should be at the top of KKR's wishlist. The Australian could not attend the last mega auction because of injury and will be back in the IPL in 2026.

Green's major strength is his multi-faceted influence. He can bat at any position in the order, do seam bowling in the middle of the innings, and produce match-changing performances whenever he feels like it.

As teams are valuing flexibility and depth more and more, Green is sure to garner a lot of bidding interest. Nonetheless, KKR's unrivaled purse and evident demand for a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder make them a strong candidate to win his services.

Wrap Up

Kolkata Knight Riders are in a great position to rule the IPL 2026 mini auction with the biggest auction purse, several vacancies, and a clear vision. Players like Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana, and Venkatesh Iyer, who KKR could acquire strategically, could not only plug the key weaknesses but also contribute to making the squad balanced and ready for the title fight next season.

The auction table is already set — the only thing left is how bravely KKR would like to use their hand.