IPL 2026: KKR should release Venkatesh Iyer and target these three players ahead of auction

IPL 2026: KKR should release Venkatesh Iyer and target these three players ahead of auction. (Source - Getty Images)

All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer’s underwhelming 2025 IPL season has put Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a big decision to make ahead of the 2026 edition. After being acquired for a whopping INR 23.75 crore, the franchise and the fans had high hopes from the all-rounder who played an important role in KKR’s previous campaigns. However, his performances failed to justify the investment.

Despite being seen as a potential leader and vice-captain, Iyer struggled to find form with the bat, scoring only 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 139.22. Furthermore, he wasn’t used as a bowler, reducing his value as a multi-dimensional player. His form dip coincided with KKR’s disappointing season, where the defending champions finished eighth.

By releasing Iyer, KKR could free up close to INR 24 crore, giving them the option to sign two or three impact players during the 2026 auction. However, the franchise may still look to re-acquire him at a lower price at the mini-auction.

Here are 3 potential replacements KKR must look at over Venkatesh Iyer 3. Harshal Patel Harshal-Patel. (Photo Source: IPL)

Kolkata Knight Riders can look at experienced pacer Harshal Patel for the upcoming season. Despite an inconsistent run with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025, where he took 16 wickets in 13 matches at an economy of 9.80, Harshal’s variations and death-over brilliance make him a valuable addition. It is worth noting, the 34-year-old previously bagged the Purple Cap in IPL 2021 and 2024 with 32 and 24 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, respectively.

KKR could target Harshal to strengthen their death bowling, an area they struggled with in IPL 2025. His experience across 119 IPL matches and a track record of 151 wickets make him a dependable pick. Recently, Harshal also returned to Gujarat after 14 years with Haryana. If released by SRH, KKR’s interest in the veteran pacer could turn out to be a smart move ahead of IPL 2026.

2. Saransh Jain Saransh Jain (Source: JioHotstar)

Three-time champions, KKR could find an ideal replacement for Venkatesh Iyer in Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain ahead of IPL 2026. The 32-year-old off-spin bowling all-rounder has been in stellar form in domestic cricket and has displayed consistent performances in the past year. Notably, no off-spinner in India has taken more wickets in first-class cricket recently than the Indore-born's 44 scalps, along with over 300 runs.

In the 2025 Duleep Trophy, Saransh played a crucial role for Central Zone, taking 5/49 and 3/130 in the final and dismissing batters like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer in the semi-final against a star-studded West Zone line-up. His ability to pick wickets and contribute handy runs in the lower order makes him an interesting prospect. 

1. Prithvi Shaw Prithvi Shaw. (Photo Source: Prithvi Shaw/Instagram)

Opening batter Prithvi Shaw could be a strong opening option for KKR in IPL 2026. After going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction despite his base price of INR 75 lakh, Shaw is looking for a turnaround in his career. The 25-year-old recently switched from Mumbai to Maharashtra in domestic cricket and began his stint with a 140-ball century against his former team during a practice match in Pune.

Shaw's ability to give strong starts can make him a potential asset for the Kolkata-based franchise, which has long sought a consistent Indian opener. Having scored 479 runs in his best IPL season (2021) and a strike rate of over 147 in the league, Shaw's experience could perfectly connect with KKR's approach at the top of the order in 2026.