IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders made a striking move in the IPL 2026 auction by signing two talented New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsmen, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. Both players are known for their aggressive batting, with Allen being one of the most explosive T20 batsmen in the world.
Finn Allen Can Do What Phil Salt Did For KKR Before
Finn Allen, who was part of RCB in the 2021 and 2022 seasons but did not get many opportunities to play, was picked up by KKR at his base price of Rs. 2 crore. Allen is famous for his long, powerful sixes and dynamic batting style. In the Big Bash League, he showcased his abilities while playing for the Perth Scorchers. In one of the tournament’s matches, Allen opened the innings and scored 79 runs off just 38 balls. His innings included three fours and eight sixes. Impressively, he hit three sixes off one over against left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and completed his fifty in just 26 deliveries.
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New KKR Wicketkeeper, Benched in RCB
Despite being one of the most destructive T20 batsmen, Allen rarely got a chance to play at RCB, which limited his exposure on the big stage. KKR’s decision to bring him in as a key wicketkeeper-batsman gives him a fresh opportunity to shine in the IPL 2026. Alongside Tim Seifert, Allen strengthens the team’s top-order batting and wicketkeeping options.
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T20 Career Stats Highlight Allen’s Impact
At 26, Finn Allen has already made a mark in T20 cricket. Representing New Zealand in 52 matches, he has scored 1,285 runs at a strike rate of 163, including two centuries and five fifties. Across all T20 matches, Allen has played 163 games, amassing 4,510 runs at an incredible strike rate of 174. He has scored four centuries and 29 fifties in this format. Allen also holds the record for hitting the most sixes in a single T20 innings, having scored 151 off just 51 balls in this year’s Major League Cricket.
Seifert Joins KKR to Strengthen the Squad
Alongside Allen, Tim Seifert joins KKR, providing depth to the team’s wicketkeeping and batting lineup. With Allen’s firepower and Seifert’s reliability behind the stumps, KKR fans can expect some high-octane batting performances in IPL 2026.