Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 With the auction fast approaching, November 15 is the last date for franchises to submit their retention lists. As a result, teams have already started strategic discussions, trading and making important decisions about which players to keep.
These also include three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)Who won the title in the 2024 edition. However, the franchise suffered a disastrous reversal of fortunes in the next 2025 season under the new captaincy. Ajinkya RahaneUltimately finishing eighth in the ten-team table and missing out on the playoffs. This sharp decline from champions to a bottom-tier team has forced KKR to re-evaluate their expensively bought players and key players ahead of the upcoming mini-auction.
Aaron Finch’s decision on retaining KKR’s big stars: Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell and others ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Former Australia T20 captain during an exclusive conversation with Star Sports aaron finch gave his determination “Catch” Or “fold” Decision on several high-profile KKR players before the retention deadline, the team is generally advised to release expensive, underperforming assets in order to build a stronger, more balanced squad. most notable “fold” was for Venkatesh IyerWhich KKR bought for a whopping price of Rs 23.75 crore, Finch said: “It’s too much for a player they bought as an opening batsman but then used in the middle. Didn’t really bowl to him that much. It’s too much to pay for a player playing out of position. I’m going to turn it around.”
great allrounder andre russell Finch, who commented, “Controversial. I’m going to fold it, but I think you could get a good trade. But we know they’re not going to do that. They never released Dre Juice.”
Finch also chose “Fold to free up some space” On Quinton de Kock, adding, “And if you have to, you can always buy it back.” Experienced Indian batsman Manish Pandey won the final “fold” Decision looking towards the future: “Manish, I’m folding. I think he’s been an amazing player, but it’s time for the next generation to lead.” The only player Finch was interested in “Catch” Despite the high price, the Australian pacer was spencer johnsonto argue, “Spencer Johnson. I think the best is still ahead of him. The more T20 he plays, the better he gets. I would stick with it, even if it comes at a higher price.”
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Also read: Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR may retain 5 Indian players before IPL 2026 auction
Kolkata Knight Riders’ tumultuous journey and disaster in 2025 under Ajinkya Rahane
KKR has had a storied, albeit strange, history in the IPL, winning the title three times in 2012, 2014 and most recently in 2024 under his captaincy. Shreyas IyerDue to which they became one of the most successful franchises of the league. in their early years Sourav Ganguly were marked by inconsistent performances, but the team really turned around Gautam GambhirWho led them to their first two titles. However, the 2025 season was the complete opposite and disastrous to their championship run. After parting ways with their title-winning captain Iyer, KKR appointed Rahane as the captain for the IPL 2025 edition. Venkatesh Iyer Named his deputy.
Despite Rahane being an experienced Indian international, the team performed poorly and won only five of its 14 league matches. Finished eighth in the table of ten teamsKey players failed to perform, notably Venkatesh, who was bought at a record price, but had a disappointing campaign, scoring only 142 runs at an average of 20.28 in the season, which was a significant factor in the team’s decline. The sudden change in leadership, coupled with the lack of performance from their most expensive signing and the overall inconsistent output of the overseas contingent, led to a disastrous title defense and now requires a complete overhaul of the team structure ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Also read: Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR may retain 3 foreign players before IPL 2026 auction
