The 2025 IPL season turned out to be a nightmare for KKR. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, the team lost several easy matches and ended the league stage in eighth place. For a three-time champion, such a season was extremely hard to digest. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, the management is now focused on strengthening the bowling department for IPL 2026.

1. Matheesha Pathirana – Released by CSK, Now on KKR’s Radar

According to sources, Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana is one of KKR’s top targets. After not being retained by CSK, the young yorker specialist is expected to attract heavy bidding in the auction. His accuracy, raw pace, and deadly death-over bowling could bring a new dimension to the KKR pace attack.

2. Ravi Bishnoi – The Middle-Overs Wicket-Getter KKR Wants

Another name strongly linked to KKR is Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who was surprisingly released from Sanjiv Goenka’s Lucknow franchise. Known for his consistent wicket-taking ability in the middle overs and deceptive googlies, Bishnoi is expected to be one of the hottest picks in the mini auction. KKR may even consider building their spin attack around him.

3. Reece Topley – The Left-Arm Pacer to Replace Spencer Johnson?

On November 15, KKR released left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson, creating a vacancy in the squad. To fill that gap, the franchise is eyeing England’s experienced all-rounder Reece Topley. Despite occasional injury concerns, Topley’s swing, bounce, and death-overs control make him an ideal fit for the team. His skill set could bring much-needed balance to KKR’s bowling lineup.

Ahead of the mini auction, speculation is growing around these three bowlers—Matheesha Pathirana, Ravi Bishnoi, and Reece Topley. Determined to bounce back after last season’s struggles, Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla’s franchise are gearing up to rebuild a stronger, more balanced KKR squad.

নিলামে সম্ভাব্য এই পাঁচ ক্রিকেটারকে টার্গেট করছে RCB!

1. Ravi Bishnoi

Suyash Sharma showed inconsistency last season, taking just eight wickets in 14 matches with a strike rate of 37 and an economy of 8.84. To boost their spin department, RCB could target Delhi spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Having claimed 72 T20 wickets in his career, Bishnoi can be a significant asset for the defending champions.

2. Mustafizur Rahman

RCB’s death bowling faced criticism in IPL 2025, conceding 11.19 runs on average with a dot ball percentage of just 31.4. Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman could fill that gap with his ability to deceive batters using hit-the-deck deliveries and variations, making him an ideal option for RCB.

3. Michael Bracewell

After releasing Liam Livingstone, RCB has a vacancy for a batting all-rounder. New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell could fill this role. With 536 T20 runs and 23 wickets this year, his off-spin will also strengthen RCB’s spin options.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga

Suyash Sharma’s limited wicket-taking ability highlighted the need for stronger spin options. Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who has taken 40 T20 wickets this year, could be a key target. His late-order batting also helps maintain the team’s balance.

5. Alzarri Joseph

RCB recently released Lungi Ngidi and Blessing Muzarabani. To cover the fast-bowling gap, Alzarri Joseph could be the ideal overseas pace option. The West Indies pacer is known for his express pace and aggressive deliveries, adding a different dimension to RCB’s bowling attack.

These five players could play a crucial role in shaping RCB’s squad in the IPL 2026 auction. Strengthening and balancing the team will make this auction particularly important for the defending champions.