IPL 2026: KKR should release Venkatesh Iyer and target these three players ahead of auction

1. Prithvi Shaw

Opening batter Prithvi Shaw could be a strong opening option for KKR in IPL 2026. After going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction despite his base price of INR 75 lakh, Shaw is looking for a turnaround in his career. The 25-year-old recently switched from Mumbai to Maharashtra in domestic cricket and began his stint with a 140-ball century against his former team during a practice match in Pune.

Shaw's ability to give strong starts can make him a potential asset for the Kolkata-based franchise, which has long sought a consistent Indian opener. Having scored 479 runs in his best IPL season (2021) and a strike rate of over 147 in the league, Shaw's experience could perfectly connect with KKR's approach at the top of the order in 2026.