KKR targets 2026 will be the most anticipated storyline heading into the mini auction. After releasing multiple first-choice players including Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, and their entire wicketkeeping group, the franchise has the biggest purse in IPL 2026 — INR 64.3 crore. Subsequently Andre Russell has called time on his IPL career and turned into a ‘power coach’ at KKR. This gives Kolkata Knight Riders maximum control at the table to aggressively fill critical squad roles. Here’s a full breakdown of Kolkata Knight Riders targets, squad gaps, and who will KKR buy at the auction.
How KKR Squad 2026 Looks Right Now
Based on retentions and role hierarchy from your KKR sheet
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajinkya Rahane (c) | RHB Opener |
| 2 | Top-order Overseas Batter (Target) | Aggressor at the top |
| 3 | Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Versatile Top-order |
| 4 | Overseas Middle-order Batter (Target) | All-rounder finisher |
| 5 | Rinku Singh | LH Middle-order Core |
| 6 | Ramandeep Singh | Indian Finisher Option |
| 7 | Sunil Narine | All-round Spinner |
| 8 | Harshit Rana | India Pace Core |
| 9 | Overseas Pacer (Target) | High-pace option |
| 10 | Varun Chakravarthy | Mystery Spinner |
| 11 | Vaibhav Arora | Indian Seamer |
KKR squad 2026 weaknesses
- No frontline wicketkeeper
- Overreliance on domestic batting in middle order
- Only one frontline pacer retained
- Lack of overseas firepower after Russell exit
This directly shapes KKR auction strategy.
KKR Auction Strategy 2026: What They Need
- Overseas wicketkeeper who can bat in top three
- Overseas middle-order all-rounder to fill Russell’s void
- Indian wicketkeeper to expand combinations
- Express overseas fast bowler who bowls in death to replace Nortje-Johnson
- Backup Indian middle-order stability options
Each category defines the top KKR target players 2026.
Top KKR Target Players 2026 (Priority List)
Category A: All-Round Middle-Order Overseas Stars
| Player | Value to KKR |
|---|---|
| Cameron Green | Seam bowling + middle-order power + long-term central piece |
| Liam Livingstone | Spin-hitting and dual-spin bowling for match-ups |
Green sits at the top of Kolkata Knight Riders targets based on budget size and need for a flagship acquisition.
ALSO READ: Full CSK Target Players At IPL 2026 Auction
Category B: Overseas Wicketkeeper Batter
(High-priority gap category)
| Player | Why He Fits KKR |
|---|---|
| Jordan Cox | Explosive starts + excellent range vs pace |
| Jamie Smith/Finn Allen | Fearless PP hitter + keeper option |
| Jonny Bairstow | Big-match experience and spin-power balance |
KKR auction strategy likely includes aggressive bidding on Cox due to age and upside value.
Category C: Indian Wicketkeeper Options
| Player | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Tushar Raheja | TNPL standout, finishing capability |
| Kartik Sharma | High-impact teenage option |
| Tejasvi Dahiya | Spin-hitting role |
At least one of these becomes essential for squad flexibility.
Category D: Express Pacers
(Death overs and new-ball potency)
| Player | Core Strength |
|---|---|
| Matheesha Pathirana | Elite yorker skill, CSK buyback threat expected |
| Matthew Forde | Raw pace and bounce, emerging option |
| Gerald Coetzee | Attacking intent every over |
KKR need two overseas quicks from this pool.
Category E: Indian Middle-Order Depth
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Venkatesh Iyer (re-buy) | Left-hander, powerplay bowling option |
| Sarfaraz Khan | Strong strike rotation and striking ability |
Venkatesh Iyer is likely part of KKR targets 2026 but at a far lower valuation than his previous price tag.
KKR Remaining Purse Plan: Ideal Allocation
| Requirement | Budget Range | Target Names |
|---|---|---|
| Premium overseas all-rounder | ₹17–22 Cr | Cameron Green |
| Top overseas keeper-opener | ₹10–14 Cr | Cox / Allen / Bairstow |
| Express pacer (Overseas) | ₹8–12 Cr | Pathirana / Coetzee |
| Spin/pace backup picks | ₹10–15 Cr | Indian + Overseas rotation |
| Indian WK + middle-order | ₹5–7 Cr | Raheja / Venkatesh / Sarfaraz |
This model helps KKR build a title-level XI instantly.
Who Will KKR Buy? Most Realistic Outcomes
Based on supply, auction economics, and demand overlap
- Cameron Green
- Jonny Bairstow (or Finn Allen as plan B)
- Matheesha Pathirana
- One from Venkatesh Iyer / Sarfaraz Khan
- Late-phase specialist express quick if purse allows
These players lift every weak link identified in KKR squad 2026.
KKR targets 2026 show a clear shift: from impulse superstar reliance to building a stronger tactical spine. With the highest purse, a sharp KKR auction strategy, and clarity in roles, the Knight Riders are positioned to shape the narrative of the IPL 2026 mini auction. If execution aligns with planning at the IPL 2026 auction, KKR return to contender status very quickly.
