As the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) seek to plug their glaring gap behind the stumps and add dynamic batting firepower, they will be on the hunt for a seasoned wicketkeeper-batter heading into the IPL 2026 Auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. With the largest remaining purse in the league — around ₹64.3 crore — and multiple slots to fill, KKR have a clear imperative to invest in premium keepers who can also influence games with the bat.
1. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock’s name sits at the top of the wish list for KKR’s wicketkeeping needs. The South African, known for his explosive batting and leadership with the gloves, is set to enter the IPL 2026 auction after a late registration, creating one of the most talked-about narratives heading into the mini-auction.
De Kock has a rich IPL pedigree, having played for multiple franchises including Delhi and Mumbai before signing for KKR ahead of the 2025 season. Although his stint with Kolkata last year was below expectations, the opportunity to reacquire a proven international performer at a relatively lean base price presents strategic value. At his best he offers aggressive starts at the top of the order and the glovework stability most teams crave. With KKR needing a first-choice keeper and possessing considerable financial flexibility, De Kock looms as a marquee target. Moreover, his recent knock of 90 off only 45 deliveries against India in the second T20I of the ongoing series shows the kind of touch he is in.
Also Read: Full PBKS Target Players List: Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Auction Strategy Explained
2. Jamie Smith
England’s Jamie Smith is another high-profile keeper-batter expected to draw interest from Kolkata. Smith has carved out a reputation as a versatile T20 performer capable of opening the innings or playing in the middle order, bringing power-hitting alongside dependable wicketkeeping.
Sources ahead of the auction describe him as an ideal fit for KKR’s current rebuild, especially given the team’s need for top-order aggression and flexibility in batting positions. With a T20 strike rate well above the league average and the ability to bat at different stages of an innings, Smith could provide the sort of multi-dimensional skill set that franchises like KKR covet in the modern IPL landscape.
3. Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis is a seasoned international wicketkeeper-batter who offers a blend of experience and middle-order solidity. The right-handed batsman has been in notable recent form and is projected to be a realistic, value-for-money option at the auction.
Mendis brings the added benefit of having played across global T20 leagues, with the ability to anchor an innings or accelerate when required. For KKR, who are reconfiguring their batting balance after several departures, Mendis’s experience and adaptability could be a key asset. Although not as high profile as some of the other overseas keepers, his combination of reliability with the gloves and match-winning potential with the bat positions him as a strong target.
Also Read: Full KKR Target Players List: Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2026 Auction Strategy Explained
4. Jonny Bairstow
England’s Jonny Bairstow is another wicketkeeper-batter who could attract bids from KKR. Bairstow’s powerful batting and capacity to dominate the top of the order make him an appealing choice, especially for conditions like Eden Gardens where pace off the bat is often rewarded.
Though he played limited IPL games in recent seasons, Bairstow has shown in franchise T20 cricket that he can shift momentum with rapid scoring. His dual role as a keeper and a reliable power hitter offers strategic flexibility, allowing teams to balance overseas and domestic combinations. KKR’s appetite for dynamic top-order options makes Bairstow a compelling candidate in the mini-auction pool.
5. Ben Duckett
English left-hander Ben Duckett rounds out this list as a potential target for KKR. While not a dedicated wicketkeeper in every setup, Duckett does possess the skill set to keep wickets and has been featured in discussions around wicketkeeper options for IPL sides.
Duckett’s strength lies in his power hitting, particularly through the off-side, and his ability to take the game deep with aggressive starts. If KKR are seeking an explosive top-order batter who can also lighten the keeping duties without compromising batting firepower, Duckett fits that mold. His inclusion in lists of possible keeper-batters highlights the growing trend of teams valuing batting prowess as much as traditional wicketkeeping in auction strategy.
