Kolkata Knight Riders head into the IPL 2026 mini auction after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The 2024 champions finished 8th on the points table last season, managing just five wins from 14 games. Their decision to release former skipper Shreyas Iyer and appoint Ajinkya Rahane as captain backfired, as several players, including Venkatesh Iyer, failed to deliver.
As the November 15 retention deadline nears, KKR is expected to retain core talents. However, with the mini auction set for December 13–15,
the franchise will look to rebuild its squad smartly to regain its 2024 title-winning form. With the auctions fast approaching, it is a good time to look at five such players who might join the KKR set-up for the upcoming 2026 season.
Here are 5 players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might target at IPL 2026 auction
Luke Wood
Left-arm pacer Luke Wood could be another clinical pick for KKR in IPL 2026, especially as a replacement for Spencer Johnson, who struggled last season. Wood brings a strong experience playing in the T20 format, having taken 210 wickets in 199 matches at an economy of 8.42. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, especially back into right-handers, he provides variety to any pace attack.
His stints in global leagues such as the PSL, ILT20, and BBL make him an interesting option. Notably, Wood has the experience playing in the IPL, when he featured for the Mumbai Indians during the 2024 edition, and bagged one wicket.
Tom Banton
Once seen as England’s white-ball superstar, Tom Banton could be a good pick for KKR in the upcoming auction. Since 2024, Banton has played at a high strike rate. His spin-hitting ability, along with wicketkeeping ability, makes him a valuable T20 asset. With over 4,700 runs in 193 T20s at a strike rate of 143.74, Banton’s recent form across leagues like the ILT20 and Vitality Blast makes him a solid fit in KKR's setup.
For KKR, which may release Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, Banton could be a valuable addition. Notably, the Englishman has earlier been part of KKR during the 2020-21 season, playing two games and scoring 18 runs.
Prithvi Shaw
Young batter Prithvi Shaw could be seen as an interesting target for the Knight Riders in the IPL 2026 auction. After going unsold in 2025, the 25-year-old has bounced back strongly with a century on his Maharashtra debut in the Buchi Babu Tournament and another impressive 140-ball ton in domestic cricket. Shaw's batting and ability to provide solid starts could solve KKR's long-standing top-order issues.
In IPL 2025, openers Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz struggled, forcing the team to rely heavily on middle-order rescue acts. With Ajinkya Rahane's future uncertain, KKR might look to make a new opening pair around a young Indian batter, making Shaw a potential fit. Having scored 1,892 IPL runs at a strike rate of over 147, Shaw could find a place in the squad.
Cameron Green
The IPL 2024 champions are expected to make a strong bid for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green in the IPL 2026 auction as they look to rebuild after a disappointing 2025 season. With Andre Russell nearing the twilight of his career, Green looks to be the perfect long-term replacement.
KKR’s financial position is set to improve significantly if they release costly contracts like Venkatesh Iyer and Anrich Nortje, potentially freeing up around INR 30 crore. This would give them enough capital to go big for Green. The Australian has so far played for RCB and MI, smashing 707 runs and picking 16 wickets across 29 matches.
Sanju Samson
With many reports stating that Sanju Samson has formally requested to be released by Rajasthan Royals, speculation is increasing that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could make a move for the star wicketkeeper-batter in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. KKR, who are likely to part ways with Ajinkya Rahane as captain, are reportedly looking for a younger, long-term leader to guide the franchise.
Samson, who has led RR for quite a few years, fits that role perfectly. Moreover, KKR’s wicketkeeping options, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock, failed to deliver last season, strengthening their case to target Samson. His ability to open the innings and anchor the middle order makes him an ideal fit for the team’s structure.
