3 players KKR must target at the IPL 2026 auction ft. Matheesha Pathirana

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have plenty of work to do at the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. With the highest purse and the most slots to fill, the three-time IPL champions will undoubtedly be the busiest franchise on Tuesday, December 16.

What could Kolkata's auction strategy look like? Following Andre Russell's transition into the coaching staff and several high-profile releases, the Knight Riders have virtually an entire playing XI to build. They will need to be careful, as teams will know how many holes they have to fill and how options are limited in the mega auction.

Players released: Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia, Moeen Ali, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Spencer Johnson, Venkatesh Iyer

Players retained: Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy

On that note, here are three players KKR must target at the IPL 2026 auction.

#3 Matheesha Pathirana

2025 IPL - Kolkata Knight Riders v Chennai Super Kings - Source: Getty

Surprisingly released by the Chennai Super Kings, Matheesha Pathirana finds himself in the IPL 2026 auction pool with a number of franchises potentially vying to secure his services. The Sri Lankan slinger is one of the most talented prospects in world cricket, and given his obvious sky-high ceiling, Kolkata will consider him.

Pathirana would add immense death-bowling value to KKR, who can afford to use an overseas slot on a bowler with that skillset. Kolkata clearly have the purse to pursue him with vigor, and they are known to enjoy fielding bowlers who have an X-factor about them.

#2 Kartik Sharma

Kartik Sharma is considered to be one of the most exciting young batters in domestic cricket right now. A wicket-keeper who can double up as a finisher, he has made waves with his big-hitting abilities down the order.

KKR have Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh as finishers, but Russell's departure has left a hole that needs filling. Either of the above names can move up if needed, paving the way for an additional lower-middle order batter.

More importantly, the Knight Riders desperately need an Indian gloveman who can be a long-term option. Kartik, as one of the best options available, might be high on their agenda.

#1 Tim Seifert

New Zealand v England: 3rd T20 - Source: Getty

Having released Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, KKR could use an overseas batter who can double up as a keeper. Tim Seifert, who has had an excellent year in T20I cricket for New Zealand, might be among the best replacements.

Seifert had an excellent Caribbean Premier League campaign, where he shone in challenging batting conditions. Capable of countering spin with an array of sweeps and reverse sweeps, the Kiwi would be close to perfect for conditions at the Eden Gardens.

Seifert, as one of the more experienced keepers in the IPL 2026 auction, would be a good pick for the Knight Riders.

Edited by Sai Krishna