IPL 2026: 5 Players KKR should target in mini auction

Kolkata Knight Riders built a title-winning squad in 2024 on the back of smart recruitment, power-packed batting and wicket-taking pace. Going into the IPL 2026 mini auction, the franchise will look to fine-tune its core again. A few gaps still exist, especially in the middle order and in the pace department. Adding impact all-rounders and match-winners with big-game temperament could make the side even more complete. Here are five players KKR should strongly consider bidding for.

1. Cameron Green

Green has become one of the most in-demand cricketers in franchise leagues. In the IPL, he has already shown his value as a hard-hitting top and middle-order batter and a seam-bowling option who can deliver at crucial moments. His 2023 season had strong highlights, including a blistering century and a strike rate of above 160 across multiple games. 

What makes him such a prize pick for KKR is the balance he brings. They already have explosive top-order players, but Green can anchor an innings while still maintaining pressure on bowlers, and his ability to hit sixes down the ground suits Eden Gardens perfectly. Adding a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder also gives tactical freedom to the squad.

2. Jonny Bairstow 

Bairstow is a big-stage batter who thrives under pressure. His IPL record shows multiple match-winning knocks, including an outstanding 2024 season with over 250 runs at a strike rate of more than 150. 

KKR occasionally relies too much on their top four, and Bairstow’s inclusion would immediately strengthen the powerplay scoring rate. He is a fearless hitter of both pace and spin and has the rare ability to change a game within a few overs. His wicket-keeping skills add another layer of value, offering flexibility in team combination and workload management for the first-choice keeper.

3. Venkatesh Iyer 

Venkatesh has played some of his best and most memorable cricket with KKR. His tall frame and clean ball-striking ability make him a standout left-hander in the league. He has multiple IPL fifties and a century to his name and is comfortable opening or batting in the middle order. 

What makes him an ideal target for the upcoming auction is his rediscovered form in domestic cricket, where he has been contributing both with bat and ball. His medium pace allows him to act as a sixth bowling option, and he fits seamlessly into KKR’s tactical approach. A reunion could give both the franchise and the player fresh momentum.

4. Matheesha Pathirana 

Pathirana has cemented his reputation as one of the deadliest death-overs bowlers in T20 cricket. He bowls yorkers at will and consistently touches the mid-140s, using a slingy action similar to Lasith Malinga that troubles batters. 

His IPL record shows an outstanding economy rate in the final overs and an excellent strike rate, making him one of the top wicket-takers in pressure periods. KKR already have aggressive fast bowlers, but a specialist death bowler like Pathirana would turn tight finishes into winning positions. Eden Gardens is known for assisting pace with bounce, and his style would thrive here.

5. Anrich Nortje 

Nortje remains one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, consistently clocking speeds above 150 km/h. He has been a proven match-winner in the IPL with multiple four-wicket hauls and an excellent strike rate in the powerplay and middle overs. 

KKR could use a bowler who can intimidate top-order batters early in the innings, force mistakes and create breakthroughs. Nortje’s pace adds an X-factor that fits the franchise’s aggressive style. Pairing him with another quick would immediately elevate their attack to one of the most dangerous in the league.

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