This Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The auction is fast approaching, November 15 marks the deadline for the franchise to mark the background date for the franchise. As a result, the teams have already started strategic discussions, trades and important decisions.
Among them there is a three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)Who hit the headlines in the 2024 edition. However, the franchise took a disastrous turn under new captaincy in the following 2025 season Ajinkya Rahaneeventually finished eighth in the ten-team table and qualified for the playoffs. This sharp drop to the bottom half of the champions has forced KKR to reassess their expensive acquisitions and key players ahead of the upcoming mini-auction.
Aaron Finch Verdict on Catching Big KKR Stars: Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell and Others Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
Star Sports during an exclusive chat with the former Australian T20 captain Aaron Finch definitely gave “catch” or “Fold” In the verdict, several high-profile KKR players were pre-retained, generally recommending the team to shed expensive assets to build a stronger, more balanced squad. It is the most remarkable “Fold” was for Venkatesh eatsKKR bought by KKR for Rs 23.75 crore, with Finch: “One opening for a player is too high for a player they tend to buy but is used in the middle. He really didn’t pack it all in. That’s a lot for a game out of position. I’ll fold.”
A legendary all-rounder Andre Russell also on the release list for Finch, “A tempting one. I’ll fold, but I think you could make a great trade. But we know you’re not going to do it. They never let Dre Russ go.”
Finch also chose “Fold to free up some space” Addition in Quinton de Kock, “You can always take it back if you have it.” Veteran Indian off-spinner Manish Pandey took the final “Fold” Judge with a nod to the future: “Ass, I’ll fold. I think he’s been a great player, but the next generation is his time to lead.” A single player would like a finch “catch” Despite the high price of the Australian packer Spencer Johnsonargument, “Spencer Johnson. I think the best is still ahead of him. The more T20 he plays, the better. I’ll take him despite the high price.”
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Kolkata Knight Riders’ Rollercoaster Journey and Ajinka Rahane’s 2025 Disaster
KKR has won the title three times in 2012, 2014 and most recently in 2024. Shreyas eatsmaking them one of the league’s most successful franchises. Under their early years Sourav ganguly marked by inconsistent performances, but the team really turned into gold Gautam Gambhirleading them to their first two names. But the 2025 season was a stark and disastrous contrast to his championship run. Title-winning captain Iyer along with KKR named Rahane as captain for IPL 2025 edition Venkatesh eats called his deputy.
Despite Rahane being an experienced India international, the team has performed woefully, winning just five of their 14 league matches. Ten teams finish eighth in the table. The key players, who were bought at a record price but had a disappointing campaign, managed a disappointing campaign at an average of just 20.28 this season and failed to deliver. A sudden change in leadership, a lack of performance from their most expensive signings and a result independent of the overall personality abroad led to a disastrous title defense and now necessitates a complete overhaul of the squad composition ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Read: Kolkata Knight Riders: 3 Foreign players can keep KKR ahead of IPL 2026 auction
