Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have approached the IPL 2026 season with a clear and bold strategy centered around rebuilding and strengthening their squad after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
The franchise
made significant moves in player retentions, leaving out a number of players before the mini auction.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, KKR have retained 12 players, focusing on building a strong core. Ajinkya Rahane looks set to captain KKR in the upcoming season as well. Alongside him, players such as Umran Malik, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh, and Rinku Singh have been retained, indicating KKR's focus on developing future stars. Additionally, KKR retained key overseas performers like Rovman Powell and Sunil Narine.
Venkatesh Iyer's release was expected, but the biggest shock came as KKR released Andre Russell. The West Indies all-rounder has been their pillar for over a decade and has produced many magical moments. But KKR leaving out Russell in the retention list is perhaps a strategic move which they can manoeuvre in the auction table.
Russell, meanwhile, will be on the auction table and is up for grabs, if not taken early by a team in the trade window. Dre Russ, as he is popularly known, is a stalwart of IPL and won't have any shortage of suitors if he arrives at the auction table. Here are three teams that may eye Russell in the auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders
In the auction table, Kolkata Knight Riders may look to get Andre Russell. They will be eyeing to get their talisman back in the auction. If they get under him in around 8 to 10 crore, it is likely that KKR would be bringing back Russell yet again for the IPL 2026 season.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings have a chunkable purse in the auction and can be eyeing Russell. After the departure of Sam Curran, the West Indies star can be their perfect signing in the auction. With Russell's bowling and smashing abilities with the bat, Russell may turn out to be a key component in their auction strategy.
Lucknow Super Giants
With the departure of Shardul Thakur, LSG are in need of a strong finisher with the bat, who can bowl as well. Russell will be a good signing for the Super Giants, who have around Rs 22 crore in their kitty in the auction.
The West Indies star is likely to be a humongous name in the mini auction, slated to take place on December 16. But with the purse dynamics in mind of the teams, it clearly seems a two-way battle between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.
