KKR’s IPL 2026 Auction Strategy: Franchise May Rebuy Released ₹23.75-Crore Star, Says Saba Karim
KKR reshapes its IPL 2026 auction strategy under coach Abhishek Nayar; Saba Karim says the team may buy back released ₹23.75-crore star Venkatesh Iyer at a lower price.
KKR may attempt to re-sign Venkatesh Iyer after releasing him to free up purse ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are preparing for a strategic rebuild under newly appointed head coach Abhishek Nayar. The franchise surprised many by releasing several high-value players — including Venkatesh Iyer, who was acquired for a massive ₹23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction.
Speaking on JioStar, former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim said the move reflects Nayar’s trademark approach of freeing up purse value before reassembling the squad.
Why KKR Released Venkatesh Iyer
According to Karim, releasing Iyer was a calculated decision.
“KKR may buy him back,” he said. “By letting him go at ₹23 crore, they have opened up a significant amount in their purse. In a mini-auction, his price is unlikely to reach that number again. This is exactly how Abhishek Nayar works — he prefers to rebuild a core squad and then pick players again at a more reasonable value.”
Karim added that KKR believes Iyer’s impact may have plateaued, similar to strategic calls they have made with other long-term players like Andre Russell.
KKR’s Key Auction Requirements
The release list also included Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Karim suggested this clearly signals two major targets for the franchise:
An opening batter, ideally someone who can also keep wickets.
A powerful lower-middle-order hitter to boost finishing ability.
“These two roles will be the top priority for KKR in the upcoming auction,” Karim noted.
Venkatesh Iyer’s Performance Curve
Iyer made a sensational entry into the IPL in 2021, scoring 370 runs in just 10 matches and helping KKR reach the final. He repeated the feat in KKR’s title-winning 2024 season with another 370-run campaign.
However, his 2025 performance dipped sharply — only 142 runs in 11 matches, including a lone half-century, averaging 20.28. This decline likely contributed to KKR’s decision to release him ahead of the 2026 mini-auction.
What This Means for KKR
With a refreshed purse and Nayar’s aggressive rebuild strategy, KKR are expected to be one of the most active teams at the auction. A buy-back of Venkatesh Iyer at a lower price remains a strong possibility, while the franchise will heavily scout for fresh opening options and finishing power.
