KKR’s list of retained players shows Nayar’s clear intention—he is walking the path of rebuilding the team. Players like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, once match-winners for the Knights, delivered disappointing performances in recent seasons. Their expensive contracts further burdened the team.

So, Nayar decided to “shed the weight of the past,” allowing KKR: greater freedom in team construction, more cash in the bank, and room to adopt an aggressive auction strategy.

Nayar’s Experiment in Women’s Premier League

Just before the IPL auction, Nayar worked as head coach of UP Warriorz at the Women’s Premier League auction. He released almost the entire squad and rebuilt a strong team from scratch.

The message is clear—he is likely to apply the same formula at KKR.

“Nayar Always Wants a Fresh Start,” Says Saba Karim On JioHotstar, former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim commented: “Abhishek always prefers to start afresh. We will see the same at KKR. He knows exactly which players can make him a champion. He may not go after big names, but he will target effective players.”

Karim believes that KKR’s “cut-and-rebuild approach” has already secured Nayar’s position strongly within the franchise. With a huge budget and a clean slate, the focus will now be on picking the right cricketers.

Will Venkatesh Iyer Return to KKR?

Karim hinted that KKR may correct their past mistake of buying Venkatesh Iyer for a massive ₹23.75 crore.

He said: “There won’t be much competition for Venkatesh this time. So KKR might bring him back at a much lower price.”

Who Will KKR Target?

KKR’s key priorities at the IPL 2026 auction may include:

a reliable finisher

a steady middle-order batter

a fast, express-pace bowler

a death-overs specialist

promising young Indian talents

With a fresh strategy and a huge budget, experts believe KKR will be one of the most aggressive teams at the IPL 2026 auction.

নিলামে এই ৬ তারকা জন্য টাকার ঝুলি নিয়ে বসবে সব ফ্র্যাঞ্চাইজি! তালিকায় দুই KKR প্রাক্তনী

According to multiple media reports, six players are expected to attract the highest spending from IPL franchises. This list includes two former stars of Kolkata Knight Riders.

1. Cameron Green (Australia)
The all-rounder, dropped by Royal Challengers Bangalore, is likely to see intense bidding in the 2026 auction. Due to his batting and bowling skills, teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Punjab Kings could spend around ₹15 crore to secure him.

2. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)
This 22-year-old pacer has been a significant influence for Sri Lanka. After being released by Chennai Super Kings, IPL teams may compete heavily to acquire him. Experts predict his price could go over ₹15 crore.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
The spin all-rounder, left out of the retention list, is expected to attract bids from almost all major IPL teams. Kolkata Knight Riders could also be in the running to sign him.

4. Ravi Bishnoi (India)
The 25-year-old star spinner, released by Lucknow Super Giants, is highly sought after due to his exceptional bowling abilities. However, Lucknow will not retain him.

5. Shreyas Iyer (India)
The batsman, dropped from Kolkata Knight Riders’ retention list, was valued at ₹23.75 crore. Due to poor performance, he no longer has a place in KKR. Nevertheless, IPL teams could spend a hefty amount to buy him in the auction. If KKR re-signs him at the last moment, it would be a huge surprise.

6. Andre Russell (Caribbean)
After 11 years, this finisher has been released by KKR. While Kolkata is not looking to retain him, teams like Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings could bid big for him in the auction.

The IPL 2026 auction promises a real cash shower for these six cricketers, as franchises strategically bid to strengthen their squads. For cricket fans, this auction is set to usher in a thrilling new chapter.