Kolkata Knight Riders made full use of their strong purse in the IPL 2026 mini auction. Entering the auction in Abu Dhabi with Rs 64.4 crore, the highest among all teams, and 13 slots to fill, KKR were always expected to dominate the proceedings. They lived up to that billing by scoring the two biggest buys of the night.
The highest-selling contract was that of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who was bought for Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in the history of the IPL auction. KKR boosted their bowling attack by signing Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore. They further strengthened their pace attack by buying Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.2 crore during the quick phase.
With quality options in all departments, KKR now have a good headache of choosing their best XI. Overall, the three-time champions spent smartly and aggressively, establishing themselves as serious contenders for the IPL 2026 title.
Here is the predicted playing 11 of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026
Top order: Finn Allen (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Cameron Green
The Kolkata Knight Riders top order for IPL 2026 will witness a new opening combination. After struggling with a volatile opening pair last year, head coach Abhishek Nair has confirmed that Sunil Narine will not open the batting this season, making way for skipper Ajinkya Rahane to partner with New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Finn Allen at the top.
Allen's aggressive approach makes him an ideal powerplay player, who is able to put pressure on the bowlers from the very first over and strengthen KKR's scoring rate. Rahane, at the other end, will wear the captain's cap and handle the innings.
The top three has been further strengthened by Cameron Green, who is set to bat at number 3. This all-rounder, worth Rs 25.5 crore, will be an important part of Kolkata's batting order.
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