KKR scout explains logic behind various signings

• KKR bought Green for ₹25.2 Cr & Pathirana for ₹18 Cr in IPL 2026 auction.
• Green became most expensive overseas IPL buy, surpassing Starc's record.
• KKR acquired uncapped Indian players for depth; scout Biju George is happy.

Kolkata Knight Riders went with the biggest purse in IPL 2026 auction, and they had a feast at the event in Abu Dhabi.

The three-time champions, entering

with the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore, made two record-breaking purchases: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a staggering ₹25.20 crore and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore.

Green's acquisition marked him as the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history, surpassing the previous record held by his compatriot Mitchell Starc (₹24.75 crore to KKR in 2024). The bidding war for the versatile all-rounder saw intense competition from Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals before KKR sealed the deal.

Not resting there, KKR turned their attention to Pathirana, entering late in a heated contest initially between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.

While the headlines belonged to these marquee overseas buys, KKR also focused on building depth with several economical picks, particularly among uncapped Indian talents. Notable uncapped acquisitions included Tejasvi Singh Dahiya for ₹3 crore - a promising young all-rounder seen as a long-term investment, along with Daksh Kamra, Sarthak Ranjan, Prashant Solanki, and Kartik Tyagi, all secured at base prices around ₹30 lakh. These players add backup options in batting, spin, and pace, allowing KKR to groom domestic talent affordably after their big-ticket spends.

And as the auction juggernaut ends, MyKhel had an exclusive talk with KKR's head of scout Biju George, who can't be happier than this. Despite not getting Kartik Sharma or Prashant Veer, the KKR professor believes the think tank executed their plan perfectly.

"I think each and every team went for the players they needed to take advantage in their home matches, and KKR did exactly that. We had plans for certain players, and we have managed to get them. I think we executed our plan successfully. "

KKR paid decent money for Tejasvi Singh, and George hails his ability, saying, "he is a fantastic player to have in the side. "

George further stressed the importance of a player such as Daksh Kamra, who George predicts can play a key part for them. Sarthak Ranjan is another addition for KKR, and the Kerala-born coach has only good things to say about them.

"Sarthak is a top player in our ranks. When it comes to Daksh, he can hit the ball from the very first delivery. "

George was travelling across the length and breadth of the country ahead of the auction, and was recently present in Pune for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League. Although the Knight Riders missed out on the uncapped duo Prashant and Kartik, the three-time champions have a sizeable team to dream for the fourth title.