After a disappointing 2025 IPL season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be eager to rebuild and return to their 2024 title-winning form. The team finished eighth on the points table last year, securing only five wins from 14 matches. Their decision to part ways with Shreyas Iyer and appoint Ajinkya Rahane as captain did not pay off, with several key players — including Venkatesh Iyer — struggling for consistency.
নিলামে এই চারতারকা ক্রিকেটারের জন্য আগ্রহ দেখতে পারে শাহরুখের ফ্র্যাঞ্চাইজি!
As the November 15 retention deadline approaches, KKR is expected to keep its core group intact while making strategic additions during the IPL 2026 mini auction, scheduled on December 13–15. Here’s a look at four players the franchise could target to strengthen their squad.
1. Luke Wood
Left-arm pacer Luke Wood could be a smart signing for KKR in IPL 2026, particularly as a replacement for Spencer Johnson, who failed to impress last season. Wood’s ability to swing the ball both ways — especially back into right-handers — adds much-needed variety to any pace attack.
The English quick has picked up over 210 wickets in 199 T20 matches at an economy rate of 8.42, showcasing his consistency across global leagues such as the PSL, ILT20, and BBL. Having also featured for Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL, Wood brings both experience and adaptability to Indian conditions.
2. Tom Banton
Explosive wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton could be another potential target for KKR. Known for his aggressive batting and ability to handle spin, Banton has been in good form since 2024, scoring over 4,700 T20 runs at a strike rate of 143.74.
With KKR likely to part ways with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock, Banton offers a dual option as a top-order batter and wicketkeeper. Interestingly, he has been part of the KKR setup before — during the 2020–21 seasons — and could be primed for a comeback in 2026.
3. Prithvi Shaw
After missing out in the 2025 auction, Prithvi Shaw has rediscovered his form in domestic cricket, scoring centuries in both the Buchi Babu Tournament and other domestic fixtures. The 25-year-old’s aggressive approach at the top could solve KKR’s long-standing opening woes.
With Rahane’s captaincy future uncertain and both openers struggling last season, Shaw could be a fresh start for KKR’s top order. Having already scored 1,892 IPL runs at a strike rate of over 147, Shaw could be a value pick to rebuild the team’s Indian batting core.
4. Cameron Green
As KKR look to the future beyond Andre Russell, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green could emerge as a major target at the 2026 auction. Green offers balance with his big-hitting ability and handy pace bowling — qualities that mirror what Russell has provided over the years.
The franchise could free up around ₹30 crore by releasing high-value contracts like Venkatesh Iyer and Anrich Nortje, giving them the financial flexibility to pursue Green aggressively. With 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 IPL matches for RCB and MI, Green is already a proven performer in Indian conditions.