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Green on top of the bucket list; 5 targets for KKR with 2 cr price tag in IPL 2026 auction



KKR targets for IPL 2026 auction - (Source: AFP)KKR targets for IPL 2026 auction - (Source: AFP)

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is less than two weeks away, and all ten franchises have begun their preparations for the marquee event. Kolkata Knight Riders will enter with the maximum purse value of 64.3 crores. Interestingly, the three-time winners must field a minimum of 6 players and a maximum of 13.

Further, the Knight Riders have dealt a massive blow as most of their targets have bid adieu to the upcoming season. Andre Russell recently announced IPL retirement, while Glenn Maxwell too won't be available for next season.

Amid this transition, the IPL released a list of 45 players who have registered at a base price of 2 crores for the mini-auction. Meanwhile, this article will shed light on what should be KKR's prime target during the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

1. Finn Allen

The first name that Kolkata Knight Riders should target during the auction is Finn Allen. Not too many people are talking about Finn Allen, but the New Zealand star batter is in top form. 

Firstly, KKR have released all of their overseas openers and are in dire hunt of talents who can open the innings for them and replicate Phil Salt's 2024 heroics. 

Allen is one name because the Kiwi, who has never played in the IPL, is likely to be sold at a bargain price. Further, if we look at his stats, then the Kiwi has scored 333 runs in nine innings in MLC 2025 and had an impressive PSL as well.

Tournament
InningsRunsAverage
Strike-rate
MLC 2025933337.00225.00
PSL 20251021323.67171.77
PAK T20Is514436.00211.76


2. Cameron Green

Cameron Green is the most talked-about player ahead of IPL 2026 auction because of all-round options. KKR are looking for a solid all-rounder, and Green fits the bill. 

Pundits have already touted Green to be the highest-paid player in the auction, and there is no debating that KKR will go all out to avail the Aussies' services for the upcoming auction and strengthen their middle-order.

Tournament
InningsRunsAverage
Strike-rate
Sheffield 2025-26619532.5048.63
SA T20Is35317.67189.29
WI T20Is520568.33164.00


3. Venkatesh Iyer

KKR have inculcated one strong value over the years, which is to back their players. Venkatesh Iyer walked to the Knight Riders in 2021 and rose through the ranks to become one of their key stars.

Ahead of IPL 2025, he earned the biggest paycheck for an all-rounder, but had a disastrous season, which saw him being released from the team. 

However, it is likely that KKR will back Iyer for another season and buy him back at a lower price.

Tournament
InningsRunsAverage
Strike-rate
SMAT 202547224.00110.77
MP T20 202522613.00104.00
IPL 2025714220.29139.22


4. Ben Duckett

As mentioned above, KKR are in need of two solid opening options, and Ben Duckett needs no introduction. The southpaw is a dynamite and suits KKR's aggressive brand of cricket, one they have been promoting over the years.  

Duckett's last T20I series came against West Indies, where he averaged 38.33 and amassed 115 runs in three innings, which included two 30+ scores.

Tournament
Innings
Runs
Average
Strike-rate
New Zealand ODIs3113.6752.38
South Africa ODIs35016.6767.57
The Hundred 2025812317.57114.95


5. Matheesha Pathirana

KKR are also without a quality overseas bowler. They let go Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson ahead of the auction and are now only left with Indian talents in the pace department. 

Further, the Knight Riders are expected to get into a bidding war with CSK for Matheesha Pathirana, but the Sri Lanka star should be on their bucket-list because of his wicket-taking ability and brilliant death bowling skills.

Tournament
Innings
Wickets
Economy
Strike-rate
Asia Cup 20251010.50-
Sri Lanka vs ZIM 20251110.0024.00
SLC T20 league 20253311.2914.00
IPL 2025121310.1419.00