নিলামের ৭০ শতাংশ বেতন কমল নাইটদের এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটারের

Last season, Iyer struggled to live up to expectations. Playing 11 matches for KKR, he scored just 142 runs, with minimal impact in both batting and bowling. The hefty price tag appeared to weigh him down, resulting in a disappointing 2025 campaign.

However, in 2024, Iyer had been a key player in KKR’s title-winning season, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 159. That performance laid the foundation for him to press the “reset” button for the new season.

During the auction, KKR did not completely let go of Iyer. A bidding battle with RCB went up to ₹6.8 crore. But after spending ₹25.2 crore on Cameron Green, Kolkata were unwilling to push further. Finally, RCB snapped him up for ₹7 crore. With a new team, a defined role, and less financial pressure, this move could work in Iyer’s favour.

The IPL 2026 auction also delivered a shock for South African veteran David Miller, whose value dropped from ₹7.5 crore last season to just ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.

There were also some bargain deals at base price: England’s Ben Duckett was signed for ₹2 crore, Wanindu Hasaranga also for ₹2 crore, while Mumbai Indians brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore.

Interestingly, several big names including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round, but teams later included them strategically according to squad requirements.

Overall, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed that form and team roles outweigh price tags. Venkatesh Iyer’s journey to RCB is not just a transfer—it’s an opportunity to prove himself all over again.

1. Cameron Green

The Australian all-rounder is KKR’s top choice. With Russell retired and Iyer released, the team needs a pace-bowling all-rounder like Green. In IPL matches, he has already showcased his talent with 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 games. The auction for him is expected to be competitive, and he could even become one of the most expensive players in history.

2. Jamie Smith

This English batsman can bat at any position. He can open, form a partnership with Narine, or finish matches. Additionally, he could solve KKR’s wicketkeeping issue, as de Kock and Rishabh Gurunath have been released. Jamie Smith has already scored 130 runs in 5 T20 matches at a strike rate of 194.02.

3. Jacob Duffy

Duffy could be an ideal choice to strengthen KKR’s pace attack, especially in death overs. The New Zealand bowler has taken 53 wickets in 38 T20 matches. After Russell’s retirement, he could become KKR’s main weapon in the death overs.

4. Prithvi Shaw

KKR needs a strong Indian opener, and Prithvi Shaw could fill that gap. The Indian batsman has recently shown consistency in domestic cricket. KKR’s head coach Abhishek Nayar has also expressed interest in coaching Shaw. With a base price of just ₹75 lakh, he is an affordable option for the team.

5. Venkatesh Iyer

The team may try to bring him back. Despite being released, Iyer shares a good relationship with KKR. He could be valuable as a future captain. Iyer’s interest in the team is clear, so a reunion in the auction is possible.

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.

কলকাতা থেকে বিতাড়িত ভেঙ্কটেশ প্রতি আগ্রহ এই দুই দলের!

Despite being released, several strong franchises are reportedly still interested in acquiring him. Sources suggest that two teams are ready to spend big at the upcoming IPL auction to secure his services.

Chennai Super Kings: Fighting with New Energy

Last season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had one of the toughest IPL campaigns of their career. Injuries to key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad further hampered the team’s performance, and they ended the season at the bottom of the points table. According to reports from CricTracker, CSK could spend heavily at the IPL 2026 auction to bring Venkatesh Iyer on board, aiming to strengthen their squad with renewed energy.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: A High-Profile Target

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also fell short of success last season despite strong efforts. However, the team plans to compete with full strength in the upcoming IPL. As part of their strategy, SRH is expected to target skilled and experienced players at the auction. Reports indicate that Venkatesh Iyer is on their wishlist, though the franchise has not officially confirmed anything.

With the IPL auction approaching, all eyes are on Venkatesh Iyer—how much he will go for and which team will secure his services has become one of the most exciting talking points among fans and analysts alike.

১১ বছরের সম্পর্ক শেষ! নাইটদের ছাঁটাইয়ের তালিকায় নাম উঠল একাধিক তারকার

Hints Came Last Season—Now It’s Official

Russell was not in form in the last IPL season. Injuries also didn’t leave him alone. Even though he was part of the playing XI, he could no longer produce the match-winning performances he once consistently delivered. Eventually, KKR management made the tough call. On Saturday, the retention list was announced—and Russell’s name was missing.

Last season, KKR had retained him for ₹12 crore, with ₹18 crore deducted from their purse. That amount now returns to KKR’s budget, giving them a major financial boost for the mini-auction.

Russell joined the Knights in 2014. Over the next decade, he produced countless match-winning knocks and unbelievable bowling spells, becoming the “Caribbean Giant of Eden.” In 140 IPL matches, he scored 2,651 runs. His hurricane 88 against Chennai remains iconic. With the ball, he claimed 123 wickets, including a memorable 5 for 15 against Mumbai—one of the best spells in KKR history. But over time, his performance declined, and the management reportedly felt he was becoming a burden to the side. Therefore, they decided it was time to let him go.

A Big Shock—KKR Release Venkatesh Iyer as Well

Another major name in the release list alongside Russell is Venkatesh Iyer. He played a vital role in KKR’s journey to the 2021 final with his stellar performances. Based on that consistency, the team decided to retain him in the mega auction. But last season, Venkatesh was completely out of form—despite KKR having bought him for an astounding ₹23.75 crore!

This time, Kolkata did not want to repeat the same mistake. Even if they try to buy him back in the auction, the price is expected to be much lower. Along with Russell and Venkatesh, KKR have also released several foreign players, including Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Spencer Johnson.

Ahead of the mini-auction, it’s clear that KKR is gearing up for a fresh new look next season. With a massive budget, Shah Rukh Khan’s team could go on a huge shopping spree.

KKR’s Top 5 Releases for IPL 2026

* Andre Russell
* Venkatesh Iyer
* Quinton de Kock
* Moeen Ali
* Anrich Nortje

Releasing Andre Russell is the biggest shock… absolutely unexpected! #IPL2026 #KKR #KKRReleases #AndreRussell #IPLAuction #TATAIPL #ipltrade #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/DXOeeOEFCp

— Piyush Nagar (@PiyushNagar135) November 15, 2025

নিলামের আগে এই চার তারকাকে ছেড়ে দিচ্ছে শাহরুখের ফ্র্যাঞ্চাইজি!

1. Venkatesh Iyer

KKR had bought Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, his performance fell well below expectations, scoring only 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.28. With such a high price tag and underwhelming contribution, Iyer has become a burden on the team. KKR may consider releasing him and bringing in another all-rounder.
So far in IPL, Iyer has played 62 matches, scoring 1,468 runs, including 12 half-centuries and 1 century.

2. Anrich Nortje

South African pacer Anrich Nortje was bought by KKR for ₹6.5 crore in IPL 2025. However, due to injuries, he played only two matches and failed to make an impact with the ball. Considering his injury-prone nature and lack of consistency, the team might release Nortje. So far in IPL, he has played 48 matches and taken 61 wickets, and is regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the league.

3. Quinton de Kock

South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock was bought by KKR for ₹3.6 crore. However, in the 2025 season, he scored only 152 runs in 8 matches, disappointing the team. If a young or domestic wicketkeeper becomes available in the next auction, KKR may release de Kock. So far in IPL, he has played 115 matches, scoring 3,309 runs, including 2 centuries and 24 half-centuries.

4. Spencer Johnson

Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson was bought by KKR for ₹2.8 crore in IPL 2025. However, his performance was underwhelming, taking only 1 wicket in 4 matches. Following this, KKR may release him and look for another effective overseas pacer. Johnson has taken 5 wickets in 9 IPL matches so far.

Learning from the failures of the 2025 season, KKR is expected to make significant changes. The team management is likely to focus on young talent and in-form overseas players. To regain their winning rhythm in IPL 2026, the franchise needs fresh energy and a balanced squad.