Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to spend big in the IPL 2026 auction. The team has already released some major names, including Quinton de Kock and Venkatesh Iyer. Additionally, Andre Russell has retired. Now, the Knight Riders are eyeing five potential players who could strengthen the squad.

1. Cameron Green

The Australian all-rounder is KKR’s top choice. With Russell retired and Iyer released, the team needs a pace-bowling all-rounder like Green. In IPL matches, he has already showcased his talent with 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 games. The auction for him is expected to be competitive, and he could even become one of the most expensive players in history.

2. Jamie Smith

This English batsman can bat at any position. He can open, form a partnership with Narine, or finish matches. Additionally, he could solve KKR’s wicketkeeping issue, as de Kock and Rishabh Gurunath have been released. Jamie Smith has already scored 130 runs in 5 T20 matches at a strike rate of 194.02.

3. Jacob Duffy

Duffy could be an ideal choice to strengthen KKR’s pace attack, especially in death overs. The New Zealand bowler has taken 53 wickets in 38 T20 matches. After Russell’s retirement, he could become KKR’s main weapon in the death overs.

4. Prithvi Shaw

KKR needs a strong Indian opener, and Prithvi Shaw could fill that gap. The Indian batsman has recently shown consistency in domestic cricket. KKR’s head coach Abhishek Nayar has also expressed interest in coaching Shaw. With a base price of just ₹75 lakh, he is an affordable option for the team.

5. Venkatesh Iyer

The team may try to bring him back. Despite being released, Iyer shares a good relationship with KKR. He could be valuable as a future captain. Iyer’s interest in the team is clear, so a reunion in the auction is possible.