5 players KKR might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) failed to defend their title in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They had to let go of some of their key players at the mega auction ahead of last season. Phil Salt and Mitchell Starc, who played important roles behind their triumph in 2024, couldn't be re-signed. One of the main reasons behind this was the management shelling out a whopping INR 23.75 crore for Venkatesh Iyer.

During IPL 2025, KKR struggled in all facets of the game under Ajinkya Rahane's

leadership. They could only win five matches and lost seven in the campaign. The three-time champions finished eighth on the points table, only above Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. KKR might release some of their players ahead of the auction, which allows them to have a huge purse with which they can assemble a star-studded team.

Here's a look at five players the Kolkata-based franchise could release ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction.

5 players KKR might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

5. Quinton de Kock

When Quinton de Kock joined the franchise ahead of last season, KKR fans would have been delighted as they had an experienced wicketkeeper who could also open the batting. However, the southpaw failed to live up to his reputation. In eight matches, de Kock only managed 152 runs at an average of 21.71 and a strike rate of 129.91. If KKR leaves the 32-year-old out of the squad, they will free up INR 3.6 crore.

4. Spencer Johnson

Spencer Johnson was acquired by the KKR management with a lot of hope. The left-arm pacer bagged an INR 2.8 crore contract at the mega auction. Johnson can extract bounce from a fuller length thanks to his height. His left-arm angle and ability to swing the new ball also make him a force to reckon with in franchise leagues. However, the 29-year-old didn't look ready for the challenges that were thrown at him in a top-notch tournament like the IPL. In four matches, he took just one wicket at an economy rate of 11.74.

3. Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje's career has been hampered by several injuries. He hasn't been able to build any sort of rhythm due to the niggles he has sustained now and then. The South African pacer was signed for INR 6.50 crore at the mega-auction, with KKR looking at him to lead the bowling attack. However, the right-arm fast bowler only played two games, giving away runs at an economy rate of 11.86. He only picked up one wicket in the seven overs he bowled.

2. Ajinkya Rahane

Experienced campaigner Ajinkya Rahane went unsold initially in the mega-auction the previous year. However, KKR picked him later on at his base price of INR 1.5 crore in the accelerated round. Strangely, the franchise decided to name him captain for the IPL 2025 season. While Rahane played some good knocks and finished as KKR's highest run-getter in the season, some of his captaincy calls were criticized by fans as well as experts. Rahane could be shown the door ahead of next season, as the Knights are expected to look for a new skipper.

1. Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer has been at KKR since 2021. He played some vital knocks for the franchise, including half-centuries in Qualifier 1 and the final in IPL 2024. While the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder wasn't retained, KKR did re-sign him for INR 23.75 at the mega-auction. However, the left-handed batter failed to justify the price tag.

In 11 matches, he only accumulated 142 runs at an average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 139.22. The fact that he didn't bowl a single delivery during the tournament made his batting form a bigger concern for the Knights. It seems unlikely that he will be retained at his current price. However, the Knights can always try to bring him back to the setup for a lower price at the mini auction.