Kolkata Knight Riders have triggered one of the boldest resets ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, releasing long-time superstar Andre Russell along with several high-profile names.
The move ends a 12-year association
with the explosive West Indian all-rounder, whose power-hitting and wicket-taking ability made him synonymous with KKR's identity. His departure, along with those of Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson, has opened up massive space in both the purse and the overseas quota.
With INR 64.3 crore in hand and 13 slots to fill-including six overseas-KKR enter the auction in a position of formidable financial strength. Russell alone freed up ₹12 crore, and while the franchise can technically buy him back, his dip in finishing impact last season may push them towards a fresh direction.
Russell leaves behind a legacy of 2593 runs at a strike rate of 174.97 and 123 wickets for KKR, including a memorable 5/15 against Mumbai Indians in 2021. But with his form dipping and the team looking to rebuild, the franchise is expected to target an all-rounder who can offer balance, power, and versatility. Two names stand out: Glenn Maxwell and Liam Livingstone.
Both players had indifferent seasons with their respective franchises-Maxwell with Punjab and Livingstone with RCB-but their overall skillsets make them natural candidates to fill the Russell-shaped void. More importantly, both bring spin-bowling utility, an attribute that aligns perfectly with KKR's strategies at Eden Gardens.
Glenn Maxwell, however, appears to be the standout option. A World Cup winner, one of the most explosive middle-order batters in modern cricket, and a proven match-winner in multiple T20 leagues, Maxwell offers a superior blend of aggression and experience. His ability to dominate spin, accelerate instantly, and contribute four reasonable overs makes him a complete T20 package.
Livingstone remains a strong alternative, especially with his long-range hitting and leg-break/off-break versatility, but Maxwell's pedigree and temperament in big games give him the edge. With KKR entering a new era, the Australian seems the closest like-for-like replacement for Russell.
Come auction day, expect KKR to go hard for one of these two-and Maxwell more than anyone else.
