IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 marked a high-stakes mini-auction where franchises splurged over ₹215 crore on 77 players from a 369-player pool. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)armed with the largest purse of ₹64.3 crore after bold pre-auction releases, dominated proceedings by securing the two most expensive buys: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a record ₹25.20 crore and Sri Lankan slinger Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore. This aggressive spending, totalling ₹124.55 crore across 25 players (8 overseas), left just ₹0.45 crore, signalling KKR’s intent to rebuild post their disappointing IPL 2025 title defence.​

Kolkata Knight Riders’ strategic big-money signings in IPL 2026 Auction

KKR entered the auction having released high-profile names like Andre Russell (previously ₹12 crore), Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore), and Quinton de Kock to maximize flexibility, retaining a core of 12 players for around ₹39.35 crore. Their top targets focused on explosive batting depth, death bowling firepower, and all-round balance, outbidding rivals like Chennai Super Kings in intense battles for Green—who brings middle-order muscle and seam options—and Pathirana, whose slingy yorkers could terrorize finishers. Mustafizur Rahman (₹9.20 crore) adds left-arm variety, while Find Allen (₹2 crore) and Rachin Ravindra (₹2 crore) provide aggressive top-order options, complementing retained finishers like Rinku Singh.​

This revamp addresses KKR’s 2025 weaknesses: over-reliance on aging stars and batting collapses. Green, fresh from stints with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluruaverages 44.50 in T20Is with a strike rate near 145, offering seam-hitting prowess at Eden Gardens. Pathirana’s 18 crore investment pays dividends with his IPL record of 42 wickets at 7.25 economy in death overs. Mid-tier picks like Tejasvi Dahiya (₹3 crore) and Tim Seifert (₹1.50 crore) bolster uncapped promise and keeping options, while Harshit Rana (retained at ₹4 crore) anchors domestic pace. KKR’s overseas quota filled smartly with Powell (₹1.50 crore) for power-hitting and Sunil Narine (retained ₹12 crore) for spin wizardry.

Salaries of KKR Players in IPL 2026

KKR’s squad blends retained stalwarts with auction gambles, prioritizing youth and versatility for Abhishek Nayar‘s high-intensity style. Here’s the full breakdown: