Kolkata Knight Riders faced a tough IPL 2025 season. They finished eighth with just five wins from 14 games. The team’s performance was below expectations throughout the year. Now KKR is planning a major rebuild for IPL 2026. The management wants to bring fresh faces through the auction. They believe these changes will turn things around next season.
Why KKR Needs Big Changes
Last season was rough for the Purple Army. The team released captain Shreyas Iyer before the tournament. They gave the leadership role to Ajinkya Rahane instead. This move backfired as results didn’t improve at all. The openers couldn’t give solid starts in most matches. The bowling looked weak without enough variety and depth. Teams will keep some key players in their core group. But they’re ready to make smart moves in the mini auction. The retention deadline ends on November 15 this year. The IPL 2026 auction will happen from December 13-15.
Top 5 Target Players for KKR
- Luke Wood
KKR needs better fast bowlers badly. England’s Luke Wood fits their requirements perfectly. He has grabbed 210 wickets in 199 T20 games. Wood swings the ball both ways with great skill. He’s played in PSL, ILT20, and BBL successfully. They might bring him in to replace Spencer Johnson.
- Tom Banton
This English keeper-batter knows this team well. He played for them back in 2020-21. Banton has over 4,700 T20 runs at a 143.74 strike rate. He smashes spin bowling in the middle overs brilliantly. Last year, Gurbaz and de Kock both struggled badly. Banton could be the answer behind the stumps.
- Prithvi Shaw
Shaw went unsold in IPL 2025 shockingly. He bounced back with centuries in domestic cricket though. Shaw has 1,892 IPL runs with a 147+ strike rate. His power-play hitting is explosive and dangerous for opponents. The team’s opening problems could end with Shaw’s arrival.
- Cameron Green
Russell is getting older now for the franchise. Green could be their next big all-rounder. He has 707 IPL runs and 16 wickets. If they release Vanky Iyer and Nortje, they get 30 crores. Green bats anywhere and bowls important overs too.
- Sanju Samson
This is KKR’s dream target this time. Samson reportedly wants to leave the Rajasthan Royals soon. Purple team has needed a strong Indian captain for years. Samson’s leadership and batting are both top-class. He keeps wickets too, solving multiple team issues together.
KKR’s Game Plan for IPL 2026 Auction
Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2026 auction will gonna through. They need experienced players alongside young, exciting talent. These target players can bring back a winning culture. The IPL 2026 mini-auction will shape their future completely.
