IPL Auction 2026: KKR’s Big Auction Strategy, ₹25 Crore Bid on the Cards?

Following an eighth-place finish in their last IPL season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are plotting a bold reset at the going mega auction ahead of IPL 2026. Desiring to thus fight back with additional vengeance, the franchise is re-jigging the backroom staff system and appointing Abhishek Nair as the head coach in a classic move.

As for the remaining purse of the largest league, which stands at ₹64.3 crore in their case, KKR can be expected to be quite aggressive in this auction. The management has its eye on five marquee players who are likely to define the scope of the entire rebuilding process for the new season.

Five players on KKR’s auction radar

Cameron Green:

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green tops KKR’s wishlist. Viewed as a long-term option and a potential successor to Andre Russell, Green’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a prime target. Sources suggest KKR could be willing to go as high as ₹25 crore to secure his services, with competition expected from teams like Chennai Super Kings.

Jamie Smith:

Following Phil Salt’s exit, KKR are searching for an explosive opener who can also handle wicketkeeping duties. England’s Jamie Smith, boasting a T20I strike rate of over 190, is seen as an ideal fit to open alongside Sunil Narine.

Matheesha Pathirana:

Released by CSK, Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana, popularly known as ‘Baby Malinga’, is another key target. Renowned for his lethal yorkers at the death, Pathirana could significantly strengthen KKR’s bowling attack in the final overs.

Matt Henry:

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry is also on KKR’s shortlist as an experienced overseas pacer. His strong rapport with team mentor Tim Southee could work in Kolkata’s favour during the bidding process.

Prithvi Shaw:

One of the surprise names linked with KKR is Prithvi Shaw. Head coach Abhishek Nair is reportedly keen on the aggressive opener, impressed by Shaw’s recent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 and his ability to score quick runs during the powerplay.

Big spending expected

According most people's thoughts, there is little doubt that Cameron Green will command, at a guess, the highest price any player has ever commanded in a bidding league in years preceding it. With the deep wallet and with what appears to stand clear as a rebuilding project being thought out by the Knight Riders, they would like to go big in their way back to the playoffs alongside the rest of the big franchise names in the IPL.