The three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a disappointing campaign in the IPL 2025 season as they failed to qualify for the knockout stages.

They completed in the 8th position of the 2025 points table with only five wins out of 14 league stage games. Kolkata Knight Riders also parted ways with title-winning coach Chandrakant Pandit, setting the stage for a new beginning.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, KKR is looking for an aggressive move and bringing in a potential player to even lead the side and rebuild the squad.

The franchise has been reportedly looking for a player like KL Rahul and free up funds to enter the upcoming event.

The event is likely to be held in the January-February window ahead of the IPL 2026 tournament, which usually follows the March-May window.

According to IPL 2026 auction rules, there are no restrictions on the number of players who can be released or retained.

In addition to the purse remaining from the previous auction and the value of the players they release, teams will likely to have a total purse value of INR 151 crore for the upcoming season.

Listed below are players likely to be released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

• Venkatesh Iyer
• Quinton de Kock
• Spencer Johnson
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz
• Anrich nortje

Venkatesh Iyer

KKR will be aiming to release Venkatesh Iyer who has a price value of INR 23.75 crore. The left-handed endured a woeful 2025 season as he managed to score only 142 runs in 11 games at an average of 20.29.

His lack of consistency combined with injuries and the high price tag, makes him a strong candidate for release as KKR search for more consistent and young talents for the all-rounders.

Quinton de Kock

The South Africa wk-batter had faced ups and down during the IPL 2025 season, as he struggled for consistency throughout the season.

With promising young talents from domestic and overseas players, KKR might consider to release to free up an overseas slot and look for potential dynamic opener for the side in IPL 2026.

Spencer Johnson

The Australia left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson was acquired by KKR for INR 2.8 crore to bolster their fast-bowling attack. However, his IPL 2025 performances was underwhelming as he picked only few wickets which was way below the price the franchise spend for him.

Needing for a consistent pacer, KKR might lookg to release Spencer Johnson and invest in other fast-bowling options at the 2026 auction, aiming for more impactful performance form their overseas pacers.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is another wk-batter who got only limited opportunities in the IPL 2025 season. He played only five matches scoring 18.5 runs per innings at a strike rate of 139.62.

With Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rahane fill up the opening slot in the squad, KKR might release him and look for a better option in the middle order in the IPL 2026 auction.

Anrich nortje

Anrich nortje who had limited games in IPL 2025, the fast bowler picked up only one wicket and conceded 83 runs off 7 overs across two games.

His injury concerns are likley to force KKR to release him and look to invest in younger, less injury-prone pacers next season.

Apart from the released players list, we have also listed the probable retained players list of Kolkata Knight Riders.

Listed below are the best possible retained players for KKR.

• Sunil Narine
• Ajinkya rahane
• Angkrish raghuvanshi
• Rinu Singh
• Vaibhav Arora
• Varun chakravarthy
• Harshit rana
• Umran Malik
• Mayank Markande
• Spencer Johnson
• Andre Russell
• Manish Pandey

According to BCCI guidelines, the mini auction will take place in the January-February Window following the player trade window in December-January.

Although the exact date of the auction is yet to be disclosed, several sources have hinted that the IPL 2026 auction dates will be announced very soon.

This mini auction for IPL 2026 will allow franchises to target their required players for completing their squad after the pre-auction trade window.