IPL Auction 2026: Big Purse Puts KKR in Strong Position to Seal Top Targets
KKR enter the IPL 2026 auction with the biggest purse of Rs 64.30 crore, aiming to fill key slots and secure top overseas targets.
KKR players during an IPL match ahead of the 2026 mini auction.
The Kolkata Knight Riders who are past champions will go to the IPL 2026 mini auction with the highest financial capacity among all franchises, as they will be able to spend Rs 64.30 crore and only have three slots to fill. KKR have however made it through the auction table easily due to their good core which they have retained even after a poor last season.
The franchise has handed the players' key positions such as Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana, which will ensure stability in both batting and bowling. Indian players such as Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Ramandeep Singh who are up next for support will bring stability to the squad.
KKR’s main focus is expected to be on overseas reinforcements who can slot straight into the playing XI. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is reportedly high on their wishlist as a potential replacement for Andre Russell, offering balance and flexibility. With Rovman Powell already in the setup, the finishing role also appears well covered.
The presence of a specialist wicketkeeper is still a major issue. The franchise might consider again the well-known options like Quinton de Kock or Rahmanullah Gurbaz, while the others in the list like Jonny Bairstow, Finn Allen or even Ben Duckett—who is also mentioned as a wicketkeeper—might also be explored. Among the uncapped Indian choices, Tushar Raheja and Kartik Sharma are most likely to be considered.
KKR may also monitor the situation with Venkatesh Iyer and if he can be purchased at a reasonable price, then his versatility would be a big factor. On the bowling side, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is going to be a big target, especially with the mentor Dwayne Bravo on board who can possibly revive his form.
Kolkata Knight Riders, with their financial power and a mostly established core, are in a strong position to offer more than their competitors and take away most of their preferred choices. Not acquiring their key targets would be a huge surprise at the IPL 2026 auction.
