The Kolkata Knight Riders have made significant changes to their team for IPL 2026, with a focus on building a strong core and utilizing their large budget in the upcoming mini-auction. They have retained 12 players and have a hefty purse of INR 64.30 crore, the largest in the league. Key players like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer have been released, along with all three specialist wicketkeepers and overseas pacers. The team’s retained core includes players like Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane, and Varun Chakaravarthy, forming the backbone of the squad.
However, there are still gaps that KKR needs to address before the start of the tournament. They need to find a specialist wicketkeeper-batter for the top order, a seam-bowling all-rounder to replace Russell, and clarity in the top-order alongside Narine. Additionally, they need a leader for the pace attack, especially in the death overs.
Currently, about 60-65% of KKR’s first-choice XI is already in place, but the remaining 30-35% will be crucial in determining the team’s success in IPL 2026. The decisions made in the mini-auction will be essential in shaping KKR’s chances of winning their fourth title.
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