5 players KKR might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) failed to defend their title in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They had to let go of some of their key players at the mega auction ahead of last season. Phil Salt and Mitchell Starc, who played important roles behind their triumph in 2024, couldn't be re-signed. One of the main reasons behind this was the management shelling out a whopping INR 23.75 crore for Venkatesh Iyer.

During IPL 2025, KKR struggled in all facets of the game under Ajinkya Rahane's leadership. They could only win five matches and lost seven in the campaign. The three-time champions finished eighth on the points table, only above Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. KKR might release some of their players ahead of the auction, which allows them to have a huge purse with which they can assemble a star-studded team.

Here's a look at five players the Kolkata-based franchise could release ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction.

5 players KKR might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

5. Quinton de Kock

When Quinton de Kock joined the franchise ahead of last season, KKR fans would have been delighted as they had an experienced wicketkeeper who could also open the batting. However, the southpaw failed to live up to his reputation. In eight matches, de Kock only managed 152 runs at an average of 21.71 and a strike rate of 129.91. If KKR leaves the 32-year-old out of the squad, they will free up INR 3.6 crore.