After a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are expected to make bold decisions ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction. With several key players underperforming and KL Rahul reportedly on their radar, the franchise is likely to release multiple high-value names to free up budget and squad space.
With the mega-auction for IPL 2026 looming, KKR would have to make some big decisions to release funds and overseas spots.
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Here are five players who could be under the axe:
Venkatesh Iyer
Retained at a substantial Rs 23.75 crore, Venkatesh Iyer had an IPL season to forget in 2025, scoring only 142 runs in 11 matches at 20.29. What was expected to be a dynamic all-rounder had fallen dramatically behind expectations. With his price level and failure to consistently contribute through both bat and ball, KKR might think of releasing him perhaps to re-purchase at a lower cost or to look elsewhere for better value for money.
Quinton de Kock
De Kock displayed flashes of brilliance, best seen with an unbeaten 97 in one game, but overall in the season, he was inconsistent, he finished with 152 runs in 8 innings, averaging just 21.71. With KL Rahul being able to handle the wicket-keeping duties, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz already present in the team, releasing De Kock (purchased for Rs 3.6 crore) might release a valuable overseas position and bring greater flexibility to the auction plans of the team.
Ajinkya Rahane
Given the captaincy in 2025 after Shreyas Iyer’s departure, Rahane started the season with a promising 56 but could not get the team to win consistently throughout. If KKR are able to sign Rahul as both captain and top-order batsman, Rahane’s Rs 1.5 crore deal and place in the team could be questioned. Releasing him could free up room for upcoming Indian players or more explosive batting talent.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Yet another overseas wicket-batter, Gurbaz had a low-key 2025 season, scoring only 18.5 in an aggregate of five games, though at a furious strike rate of 139.62. If the franchise is likely to invest in KL Rahul as the keeper, Gurbaz’s services might not be required anymore. Letting him go would free up an additional overseas position and allow KKR to prioritize building other core aspects of the team during the auction.
Spencer Johnson
Purchased to bring bite to the pace attack, the Aussie left-arm pacer did not make the intended contribution. Brought in for Rs 2.8 crore, Johnson lacked both economy and form, picking up only a few wickets. KKR may want to let him go and look for more consistent overseas fast bowlers at the mega-auction, hoping to build a more potent, well-balanced bowling lineup.
If KKR is able to get the KL Rahul trade done, it might be a turning point in their fortunes. But for that, some tough choices have to be made. Offloading underperforming or excess players might be the initial step to reconstructing a competitive and united team for IPL 2026.
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