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From Ravindra to Maxwell: Released players KKR might chase in IPL 2026 mini auction

Sakshi Sharma

Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Maxwell (Source: AFP)Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Maxwell (Source: AFP)

The IPL 2026 retention list has already been announced, with a clear picture of which players each team has chosen to keep or release ahead of the upcoming mini-auction. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have retained 12 players, with the biggest surprise coming after the Kolkata-based franchise released Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer.

After a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, the three-time champions are looking to rebuild the team with more planning. KKR has retained several players, including Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakaravarthy. With over ₹64 crore available in their purse and several key positions now open, the mini-auction becomes crucial for KKR's comeback plans.

Here are the players released by other teams who could be on KKR's radar as they rebuild for the 2026 season.

Rachin Ravindra

  • It can be said that New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra (released by CSK), is one of the most attractive top-order options available. It is important to mention that KKR have already released Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock ahead of IPL 2026, which clearly means that KKR needs a reliable opener. And to fill in this spot, KKR can go with a flexible opener and utility all-rounder, Rachin Ravindra.
Category
Data
Innings (Inns)18
Runs413
Average (Avg)24.29
Strike Rate (S/R)143.9

(Rachin Ravindra stats as an opener)

  • Ravindra has put up more consistent numbers. He scored 222 runs in 2024 and 191 runs in 2025. The conditions at Eden Gardens would also suit his style of play. An added bonus is his left-arm spin. KKR traditionally love multi-skilled players, and Ravindra can offer one or two overs if and when needed.

David Miller

  • With Russell and Venkatesh Iyer both released, KKR have a clear gap in their finishing department. South African powerhouse David Miller (released by Lucknow Super Giants) fits this requirement perfectly.
  • Miller brings years of IPL and international experience, and his explosive style suits the middle-order role KKR desperately needs. It is also worth noting that KKR has the financial strength to comfortably pick him up, to fix the reliability and stability their lower order lacked in 2025.

Glenn Maxwell

  • Punjab Kings shocked many by releasing Glenn Maxwell, who struggled with just 48 runs in IPL 2025. However, Maxwell's ability to play match-winning knocks cannot be underestimated.
Criteria
Stats
Matches
7
Runs48
SR97.95
Avg8.00

(Glenn Maxwell's IPL 2025 stats)

  • KKR may see him as a finisher who brings additional spin-bowling depth. While he has been inconsistent, getting Maxwell at a lower price would be a calculated gamble for a team currently short of proven finishers. If Maxwell regains form, he could solve two problems at once - aggressive batting in the last five overs and a backup spin option for KKR along with Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy.

Andre Russell

  • Despite releasing Andre Russell after 12 seasons, KKR might still look to bring him back at a lower price. The move has added ₹18 crore in their purse, giving them more flexibility in the auction.
  • Russell’s recent performance dip and injury concerns may have been the reason for his release, but his match-winning ability remains unquestioned. If he is available at a reasonable price, KKR could re-sign him while still saving funds for other purchases. This makes Russell both a released player and a potential target.

Akash Deep

  • KKR may also attain Akash Deep (released by LSG) after a tough season where he took just three wickets in six games with an economy rate of 12.25. While his numbers are not decent, but Akash Deep's strong roots in Bengal cricket could be a point that KKR might value.
  • Adding to this he can also serve as a backup to Vaibhav Arora, support Harshit Rana, and provide depth to the KKR's pace unit. His ability to swing the ball and his familiarity with Eden Gardens conditions make him an appealing low-cost but strategic pick.

Conclusion

With a big purse and several high-profile releases, KKR enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with aggressive intent. The mini-auction offers KKR a chance to rebuild smartly, and these released players might play a big part in shaping their new identity for the 2026 season.