IPL 2026: 5 KKR Players who might be released ahead of mini auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) came into the IPL 2025 as the defending champions. But their campaign completely derailed, as they finished in the eighth spot with 12 points from 14 games. Despite having some top players in their squad, several of them failed to deliver. Hence, those players might get released by the franchise ahead of the 2026 season.  

Here are the 5 KKR Players who might be released ahead of the mini auction 

1. Venkatesh Iyer

KKR spent a mammoth INR 23.75 crore to secure Venkatesh Iyer, making him one of the most expensive buys of the season. With such a hefty price tag, expectations were naturally high, and he was even named the vice-captain of the side. However, the all-rounder endured a disappointing campaign.

In seven innings, Iyer managed only 142 runs, with a lone fifty. Surprisingly, across 11 matches, he did not bowl a single delivery. To make matters worse, he sustained a hand injury towards the latter stage of the tournament, which forced him to miss a few games.

Considering his struggles, KKR may decide to release Iyer ahead of the 2026 season. Doing so would free up a massive chunk of their purse, giving them the flexibility to bring in a proven, experienced player who can deliver consistently and add fresh hope to the squad.  

2. Moeen Ali

England’s experienced spin-bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali is likely to be among the players KKR could consider releasing ahead of IPL 2026. In the 2025 season, Moeen had a forgettable outing with the bat, scoring only five runs across two innings. With the ball, he did a little better, claiming six wickets in five innings.

Given the team’s need for a stronger balance, KKR may look for a different overseas all-rounder who can contribute consistently with both bat and ball. Such a move would add the much-needed depth and stability to the side. 

3. Chetan Sakariya

Chetan Sakariya joined KKR in IPL 2025 as an injury replacement for Umran Malik. However, he featured in only one game, where he was taken apart for 39 runs in three overs at an economy rate of 13.00, without picking up a wicket.

With Umran expected to be fit and fully available for the 2026 season, KKR are most likely to release Sakariya. As a bowler, Umran Malik offers far more raw pace compared to Sakariya, and that could prove to be a vital factor for the franchise going forward.    

4. Anrich Nortje

This experienced South African pacer had to fill a huge role for KKR in IPL 2025. Australia’s Mitchell Starc was crucial in KKR’s title-winning run in 2024, but the franchise did not retain him. Later, when they bought Anrich Nortje, the expectation was that he would play the same role.

However, lack of fitness once again proved to be a major issue, as Nortje featured in only two games. Unfortunately, he managed just one wicket while conceding 83 runs in seven overs, at an economy rate of 11.85.

Therefore, KKR might release him and look to bring in a fit, experienced pacer who has shown consistency at the top level.

5. Rovman Powell

When KKR bought Rovman Powell, many eyebrows were raised, considering they had already retained their veteran all-rounder, Andre Russell. It seemed he might be the like-for-like option for Russell. However, in the two matches Powell played, he featured alongside Russell.

He failed to impress, scoring just five runs across those two games and not bowling a single over. Therefore, KKR might release him and look for a better option.

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