Kolkata Knight Riders' Bold Moves in IPL 2026 Auction
On December 16, 2025, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showcased their ambition by making a splash during the IPL 2026 auction. Entering with a hefty purse of ?64.30 crore after releasing nine players, they aimed to bolster their squad significantly.
Major Signings and Strategic Acquisitions
KKR's first big purchase was Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, a highly sought-after player in the auction. After intense bidding wars against the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, KKR secured Green for a record ?25.20 crore, the highest ever paid for an overseas player.
Following Green, they continued to strengthen their lineup, acquiring Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana for ?18 crore, marking the second highest bid of the auction. Additionally, they reinforced their bowling attack by signing Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman at ?9.20 crore, crucial for their late overs.
Investment in Uncapped Talent
The franchise also showed commitment to nurturing local talent by signing uncapped Indian batter Tejasvi Singh for ?3 crore. KKR then rounded out their overseas acquisitions with New Zealand talents Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert, who were signed for a combined sum of ?5.50 crore.
With an eye on bolstering depth, they purchased capped Indian players Akash Deep and Rahul Tripathi for ?1 crore and ?75 lakh, respectively. KKR concluded the auction with a flurry of investments in uncapped players, signing Daksh Kamra, Sarthak Ranjan, Prashant Solanki, and Kartik Tyagi for ?30 lakh each.
| Player | Price (INR) |
| Cameron Green | ?25.20 Crore |
| Matheesha Pathirana | ?18 Crore |
| Mustafizur Rahman | ?9.20 Crore |
| Tejasvi Singh | ?3 Crore |
| Rachin Ravindra | ?1.83 Crore (Combined) |
| Akash Deep | ?1 Crore |
| Rahul Tripathi | ?75 Lakh |
| Uncapped Players | ?30 Lakh each |
Spending Summary and Team Composition
Ultimately, KKR spent ?124.55 crore of their total ?125 crore budget during the auction. This strategy allows them to maximize squad strength while securing a diverse roster of 25 players, which includes eight overseas talents. KKR’s strategic moves are set to position them as strong contenders in the upcoming IPL season.