KKR Retention list ahead of IPL 2026: Which big names are on the chopping block?

KKR Retention list ahead of IPL 2026: Which big names are on the chopping block? The Kolkata Knight Riders are heading into the IPL 2026 mini-auction after a frustrating 2025 season where they missed the playoffs. For a franchise with a history of great captains and a passionate fan base, this was a tough pill to swallow.

Also Read: PBKS Retention list ahead of IPL 2026: Who will the Runner-ups let go?

Now, the management has a massive job: they must be ruthless, keeping the best of their proven match-winners and letting go of a few expensive players who didn’t quite deliver. It’s time to save money and create space to find the specialist talent they need to win again. Interestingly, fans might witness the 2024 IPL Champions end up with the highest Auction purse heading into the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction.

KKR Retention Strategy

KKR is determined to keep the unique DNA of their team, which revolves around world-class all-rounders and mystery spinners. This core group is almost locked in, as their value far exceeds what they might spend on them. The legendary duo of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell are definite keepers. Their ability to win a match from any situation is too valuable to risk losing.

In the Indian lineup, finisher Rinku Singh is a fan favourite and a certified match-winner who stays, alongside Varun Chakaravarthy, their most consistent wicket-taking spinner. Kolkata Knight Riders is also betting big on young Indian talent. Pacer Harshit Rana and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi are seen as long-term assets and future stars.

Experienced batsman, former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane, is likely to be retained for his leadership and stability, while the inclusion of the explosive West Indies captain, Rovman Powell, at a low price makes him a high-value retention for middle-order power. Utility player Ramandeep Singh and overseas keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz are also vital retentions.

Pacers Vaibhav Arora and overseas quick Spencer Johnson provide balance, with Indian all-rounder Anukul Roy and spinner Mayank Markande rounding out the crucial domestic backup unit.

Which big names are on the chopping block?

To free up essential salary cap space, KKR is expected to make some truly hard choices by releasing players who commanded a high price tag but failed to justify it with performance or consistency. The biggest name likely to be shown the door is Venkatesh Iyer. While he is a talented Indian all-rounder, his huge salary (Rs 23.75 crore in 2025) is simply too much given his inconsistent output last season. Letting him go frees up a massive budget instantly.

Among the overseas players, opener Quinton de Kock and pacer Anrich Nortje are highly likely to be released. De Kock struggled for runs at the top, and Nortje has battled constant injury concerns, making him unreliable for a full season. Moeen Ali is also considered a likely release as his role in the team, alongside Narine and Chakaravarthy, is redundant.

These releases are critical, allowing KKR to focus funds on buying a proven star international batter and/or a reliable death-over fast bowler in the auction. They really missed Mitchell Starc last season.

KKR Probable Retention List (14 Players)

Andre Russell (All-rounder, O)

Sunil Narine (All-rounder, O)

Rinku Singh (Batter)

Varun Chakaravarthy (Bowler)

Harshit Rana (Bowler)

Ramandeep Singh (All-rounder)

Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Batter)

Spencer Johnson (Bowler, O)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK-Batter, O)

Rovman Powell (Batter, O)

Vaibhav Arora (Bowler)

Ajinkya Rahane (Batter)

Anukul Roy (All-rounder)

Mayank Markande (Bowler)

KKR Auction Purse for IPL 2026 Mini-Auction

New Total Auction Purse (Estimated): 125.00 Cr

Minus: Total Cost of 14 Retained Players: 72.30 Cr

Estimated Remaining Auction Purse: 52.70 Cr