KKR to enter IPL 2026 auction with INR 40 crore after releasing Venkatesh Iyer; KL Rahul trade dream dies

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to make some bold decisions ahead of the IPL 2026 after a forgettable campaign in 2025. After winning the IPL title in 2024 under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, KKR’s fortunes took a sharp dip under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, as they finished eighth on the points table with just five victories in the IPL 2025.

The decision to release Shreyas Iyer after leading them to a championship turned out to be a major setback, as the Kolkata Knight Riders never found the rhythm throughout the season. Rahane’s several tactical calls didn’t go as planned, and the team struggled to find consistency.

KKR to release multiple stars, target Cameron Green in ₹40-Crore rebuild plan

One of Kolkata Knight Riders' biggest disappointments in IPL 2025 was Venkatesh Iyer. The franchise spent a massive ₹23.75 crore to bring him back during the mega auction, seeing him as a potential long-term leader and even naming him vice-captain.

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However, his performances didn’t justify the price tag. Iyer’s struggles with the bat and lack of impact in key matches added to KKR’s worries, and the KKR team management is now seriously considering releasing him before the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

As reported by a senior ESPNCricinfo journalist, the Kolkata-based franchise might opt for a complete revamp, releasing at least five overseas players along with Iyer to free up funds. If that happens, KKR could enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a strong purse of around ₹40 crore.

The plan is to use this money wisely to target a top-quality fast bowler or a fast-bowling all-rounder who can bring balance and power to the team. KKR is expected to go for Cameron Green, whose versatility and all-round ability fit perfectly with their future vision.

🚨📰| KKR could go with ₹40 crore into the mini-auction, with the release of Venkatesh Iyer and a host of overseas players. They will look to bid for a fast-bowler or a fast-bowling all-rounder.

(Nagraj Gollapudi) pic.twitter.com/y3ZCwvdOn3

— KnightRidersXtra (@KKR_Xtra) November 10, 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders end KL Rahul trade speculation

There were also rumors that the three-time IPL champions are interested in bringing KL Rahul on board from the Delhi Capitals, but ESPNCricinfo made it clear that such a trade will not take place. The team’s problem is not having enough valuable assets to make a significant trade deal work.

Earlier, reports claimed that Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals discussed several swap deal options ahead of the IPL 2026 season. One proposal involved trading KL Rahul for Sunil Narine, while another suggested a swap between Rahul and the duo of Rinku Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

A third option reportedly had Rahul being exchanged for Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Harshit Rana. However, none of these deals moved forward, as KKR was not ready to part ways with their future superstars. Given that, now the KL Rahul trade is officially off the table.

🚨 ESPNCricinfo categorically says

❌KL Rahul trade NOT Happening

✅Team KKR to release ateast 5 overseas players and go in with a purse of 40cr or more.

🤨 KKR problem in the trade was not having an adequate asset to be traded. pic.twitter.com/l3fMu5d2CE

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) November 10, 2025

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KKR set for major squad overhaul ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

It is being said that the Kolkata franchise is likely to release Iyer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Moeen Ali, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Mayank Markande, Anrich Nortje, Umran Malik, and Chetan Sakariya ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 15-16.