KKR's Auction Wishlist: Why Conway, McGurk Can Be Their Top 2026 Targets

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Devon Conway and Jake Fraser-McGurk [Source: @RajTweett/x.com]Devon Conway and Jake Fraser-McGurk [Source: @RajTweett/x.com]

The defending champions of IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders have been eliminated from the 2025 edition after their match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended in a stalemate due to rain. After attaining the heights of lifting the trophy, it would have been disheartening for the fans and followers of the franchise to see their team bowing out. 

The management along with the fans will look for a strong comeback the next season. Here are five players from other franchises who might be released, that KKR could target for IPL 2025. 

1. Devon Conway (Chennai Super Kings)

Key Stats - 

  • Batting: 94 runs, Strike Rate: 123.68, Average: 23.50
  • Matches: 4, Boundaries: 9 fours, 2 sixes
  • Batting positions: Opener

Why CSK Might Release Him -

  • Limited opportunities despite his reputation
  • Potential focus on strengthening their Indian batting core
  • Likely to invest in more explosive top-order options

Why KKR Should Target Him - 

  • Technical proficiency would address top-order stability issues
  • Excellent player of spin in the middle overs
  • Can anchor innings while maintaining a respectable strike rate
  • Left-handed option providing batting order flexibility
  • Proven international pedigree across formats

2. Rahul Chahar (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Rahul Chahar for SRH [Source: @srhfansofficial/x.com]Rahul Chahar for SRH [Source: @srhfansofficial/x.com]

Key Stats - 

  • Bowling: 0 wickets, Economy: 9.00
  • Matches: 1
  • Bowling type: Right Arm Leg Spinner

Why SRH Might Release Him - 

  • Just one match indicates he's not in their plans
  • SRH already has preferred spin options
  • Plan of investment in other bowling combinations

Why KKR Should Target Him - 

  • Leg-spin variety would perfectly complement Chakaravarthy and Narine
  • Proven wicket-taker in middle overs from previous IPL seasons
  • Indian spinner allowing flexibility with overseas selections
  • Still young with room for development
  • Previous IPL success indicates his minimal usage at SRH doesn't reflect his ability

3. Mukesh Kumar (Delhi Capitals)

Mukesh Kumar for DC [Source: AP Photos]Mukesh Kumar for DC [Source: AP Photos]

Key Stats - 

  • Bowling: 9 wickets, Economy: 9.87, Average: 34.56
  • Matches: 10
  • Bowling type: Right Arm Medium Pace

Why Delhi Might Release Him - 

  • Performance metrics not exceptional despite regular opportunities
  • Delhi's tendency to refresh their Indian pace bowling resources
  • Strategic shift toward different bowling combinations
  • Auction dynamics may force tough decisions on mid-tier players

Why KKR Should Target Him - 

  • Developing death bowling specialist addressing KKR's major weakness
  • Effective yorker execution and growing repertoire of variations
  • Indian pacer allowing overseas flexibility
  • More consistent than KKR's current death bowling options

4. Jake Fraser-McGurk (Delhi Capitals)

Key Stats -

  • Batting: 55 runs, Strike Rate: 105.76
  • Matches: 6, Boundaries: 7 fours, 2 sixes
  • Batting positions: Opener

Why Delhi Might Release Him - 

  • Underperformed expectations as a power-hitting opener
  • Delhi likely to pursue more consistent overseas options
  • Competition from other explosive overseas batters
  • Strategic shift toward different skill profiles

Why KKR Should Target Him - 

  • Explosive potential perfect for powerplay enhancement
  • Natural aggression would complement Narine at the top
  • Has demonstrated much higher strike rates in other T20 competitions
  • Young talent with tremendous upside potential

5. Ishant Sharma (Gujarat Titans)

Ishant Sharma for GT [Source: AP Photos]Ishant Sharma for GT [Source: AP Photos]

Key Stats - 

  • Bowling: 4 wickets, Economy: 11.58, Average: 51.25
  • Matches: 7
  • Bowling type: Right Arm Fast Medium

Why Gujarat Might Release Him - 

  • Economy rate significantly higher than team average
  • Age factor
  • Diminishing returns for investment
  • GT's likely focus on younger pace options
  • Natural squad evolution toward building for the future

Why KKR Should Target Him - 

  • Veteran presence would balance KKR's inexperienced pace attack
  • Experience in pressure situations and big matches
  • Mentoring role for developing pacers like Harshit Rana
  • Tactical knowledge to improve death bowling strategies
  • Domestic player allowing overseas flexibility

Strategic Fit for KKR

These five targets address KKR's specific weaknesses identified from their 2025 performance:

  1. Batting Order Stability: Devon Conway brings technical proficiency and consistency
  2. Spin Bowling Depth: Rahul Chahar adds leg-spin variety to complement existing spinners
  3. Death Bowling: Mukesh Kumar offers improving skills in the crucial death overs
  4. Powerplay Enhancement: Fraser-McGurk provides explosive potential at the top
  5. Bowling Experience: Ishant Sharma brings veteran leadership to guide younger bowlers

By acquiring these five players, KKR would create a more balanced squad while maintaining their core strengths in Rahane, Narine, Chakaravarthy, and Russell, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the IPL 2026 trophy.