Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to rejuvenate their squad after finishing eighth in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League.

After releasing the 2024 edition’s title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, and spending over 23 crore on Venkatesh Iyer, the Knight Riders failed to build a championship-winning squad and lacked quality in multiple departments.

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Ahead of the mini-auction for IPL 2026, they aim to generate funds while retaining the core. In this article, we take a look at the list of players retained and released by the two-time IPL winners for the upcoming season.

KKR released players ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

KKR’s first priority before heading to the auction table will be to generate funds to build a good squad once again. This could result in some key players being released and subsequently bought back at lower prices, while also addressing the other issues.

Which KKR players will be released for the IPL 2026 auction?

Venkatesh Iyer (bought for ₹23.75 cr.) is most likely to be released and re-bought at a lower price in the auction by the Knight Riders, much like Anrich Nortje (₹6.5 cr.).

Among other releases could be the fringe players, who will only receive the funds to address the glaring issues.

Venkatesh IyerRahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)Moeen AliManish PandeyRovman PowellMayank MarkandeAnrich NortjeUmran MalikChetan SakariyaKKR retained players ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

They will aim to keep their core group of players intact, with notable names including Ajinkya Rahane, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Sunil Narine. The final list will be confirmed at the retention deadline on November 15.

Quinton de Kock rediscovering his form during his return to international cricket against Pakistan could mean he has made a case for another chance with the team at the top of the batting order. 

MORE: IPL 2026: How does a player trade work?

Which KKR players may be retained for IPL 2026?Ajinkya Rahane (c)Quinton de Kock (wk)Angkrish RaghuvanshiRinku SinghAndre RussellLuvnith Sisodia (wk)Anukul RoyRamandeep SinghSunil NarineVarun ChakravarthyHarshit RanaVaibhav AroraAnrich NortjeSpencer JohnsonShivam ShuklaKKR trade rumours ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

Despite showing interest in KL Rahul and Sanju Samson during the trade window, KKR has not been heavily linked to roping in or trading out any players.

MORE: Is Ravindra Jadeja’s permission needed for CSK to trade Sanju Samson from RR? Player consent rules explained for IPL 2026

KKR current squad

The defending champions bought their current skipper, Rahane, among others, in last season’s auction. They were left with only 0.05 cr. in the purse after building the squad.

Ajinkya Rahane (c)Quinton de Kock (wk)Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)Angkrish RaghuvanshiRinku SinghVenkatesh IyerManish PandeyAndre RussellRovman PowellLuvnith Sisodia (wk)Anukul RoyMoeen AliRamandeep SinghSunil NarineVarun ChakravarthyMayank MarkandeHarshit RanaVaibhav AroraAnrich NortjeUmran MalikSpencer JohnsonShivam ShuklaChetan Sakaria

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