KKR IPL 2026 auction strategy: Overseas pacers who could become a knight in mini-auction

KKR could go for many options in IPL 2026 auction (Source: AFP Photos)

Kolkata Knight Riders left the world in shock on IPL 2026 retention day with a few decisions that perhaps needed to be made. The IPL 2024 champions trimmed their squad from 21 to 12, which included the mighty releases of Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer.

No wonder their purse for the IPL 2026 auction increased to INR 64.3 crore, the highest by far among 10 franchises. In a mini-auction, set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, where IPL owners find limited options to improve their squad instead of starting from the scratch, KKR went for a strategy that might require a few areas to rebuild.

The problem of plenty needs to resolve ft. KKR

To give the readers a context, KKR did not even have the same or bigger budget for the past two mega auctions than the purse they will carry for the upcoming auction. It could be a disastrous day for Venky Mysore and co, who have made quite a few changes to the support staff lately, or a masterclass where the other nine franchises will struggle to meet their primary targets.

For the latter part, the KKR think tank must play smartly during the bidding wars. And one of their primary areas that requires additional reinforcement is the leader in pace battery.

With Russell gone and Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson being released, KKR would look for a profile who could take up the responsibility to do wonders at Eden Gardens. Of course, there will be other venues to succeed, but it is always hard to find someone who can be fruitful at KKR’s den.

If KKR want to have new faces, here are the potential targets which they might like to have in their roster before the upcoming IPL edition.

Matt Henry

Henry, now 33, could be an excellent addition to the KKR squad. Someone who can be lethal with the new ball, the experienced Kiwi pacer has the ability to share his experience with Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora and Umran Malik.

[Matt Henry's records in T20Is and T20s]

Additionally, it could be a golden opportunity for Henry to show the world what he brings to the table. The New Zealander could not perform up to his lofty standards while playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2024, taking only one wicket in 4 matches at an expensive economy rate of 9.17.

[Matt Henry's records in IPL]

Thus, with Vaibhav from one end and Henry from the other, KKR can settle their powerplay over woes if they manage to land him. Also, don’t be surprised if Tim Southee, KKR’s new bowling coach, plays a part in bringing Henry to the set-up.

Jason Behrendorff

Very similar to Henry’s profile, Jason Behrendorff could fit the bill that KKR exactly require. A bit of IPL experience, coupled with a left-arm bowling option which could bring dynamism to the core, Behrendorff could be influential with the new ball as well.

[Jason Behrendroff's bowling records]

Just as Southee might influence KKR to bring in Henry, Shane Watson, KKR’s new assistant coach, could be the factor in Behrendorff’s signing. KKR would love to have someone who can be as fierce an Australian as Mitchell Starc, who wreaked havoc during the IPL 2024 business end.

Ben Dwarshuis

Even though Dwarshuis is yet to have his chance in IPL, his consistency in BBL could finally give him a chance to get a contract this time around in the world’s most lucrative league.

Having been the third-highest all-time wicket-taker in the BBL, who can be brilliant with the new ball as well as during the death overs, Dwarshuis, another Australian, could be the one whom Watson and company might prefer before anyone else.

[Ben Dwarshuis' bowling records]

The only factor that might force KKR management to rethink signing Dwarshuis is the question of how someone can be a leader of their pace without having played in the IPL. However, one should always take a bold call to make something special in the years to come, irrespective of the department.

To add more value, Dwarshuis can be a handy with the bat as well, increasing his chances to be in KKR squad who tend to bat deep.

Matheesha Pathirana

No surprise, Matheesha Pathirana will be the most sought-after fast bowler option during the upcoming IPL mini-auction. The 22-year-old was released by the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and considering what he had done in the competition with his slingy action under MS Dhoni’s guidance, he will surely be a hot prospect to grab.

[Matheesha Pathirana's bowling records]

However, Pathirana is not exactly the profile KKR must have in their squad. The Sri Lankan pacer can be very effective during death overs, but not with the new ball. However, given that it will be a mini-auction, teams with bigger budgets should get the attractive prospects, so bringing in Pathirana will fix KKR’s death bowling concerns.

Let’s not forget the fact that KKR don’t have Andre Russell any longer. The Jamaican all-rounder used to chip in with a couple of overs whenever required, and hence, Pathirana is someone who can be a designated bowler for the latter part of the innings.

---

ALSO READ

KKR's Coaching Staff 2025: Head Coach, Success Rate

---