With the IPL 2026 auction scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, the 10 franchises are preparing to fill a total of 77 available slots. Among all teams, Kolkata Knight Riders enter the auction with the highest number of vacancies, making them one of the most active tables expected on auction day.
How many overseas slots does KKR have?
KKR retained only 12 players from their 2025 squad, leaving them with 13 total slots to fill, out of which six are overseas slots. This gives the franchise significant flexibility across roles, especially in strengthening their all-rounders, pace attack, and big-hitting middle-order.
IPL 2026 Auction – Team Slot Summary (KKR)
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Total slots available: 13
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Overseas slots available: 6
This is the highest among all teams this year, with Sunrisers Hyderabad next at 10 slots (including two overseas), while Punjab Kings have just four.
Top Overseas Players Who Could Attract Strong Bids at the Auction
KKR’s six overseas slots put them in contention for multiple high-profile international names. Here are the major overseas players expected to command attention:
1. Cameron Green (Australia – Batting All-Rounder)
A rare T20 commodity who offers top-order batting and reliable seam bowling. His age and long-term value make him a potential structural signing for several franchises.
2. Liam Livingstone (England – Middle-Order Power-Hitter & Part-Time Spinner)
Known for immediate six-hitting impact, Livingstone brings middle-overs acceleration and the ability to take on pace and spin with equal comfort.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka – Leg-Spinning All-Rounder)
Provides wicket-taking leg-spin and valuable lower-order hitting. Fits perfectly into the overseas all-rounder category that often influences auctions heavily.
4. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand – Top-Order Batting All-Rounder)
A rapidly emerging multi-dimensional cricketer who offers left-handed batting, off-spin, and fielding versatility.
5. Michael Bracewell (New Zealand – Spin-Bowling All-Rounder)
A disciplined off-spinner with middle-order stability. Teams looking for control paired with batting depth may consider him strongly.
6. David Miller (South Africa – Middle-Order Finisher)
One of the most experienced finishers in T20 cricket, suited for No. 5/6 roles and late-innings acceleration.
7. Anrich Nortje (South Africa – Express Fast Bowler)
Provides high-end pace above 145–150 km/h, with proven ability to take out top-order batters and bowl hard lengths at the death.
8. Matt Henry (New Zealand – New-Ball Seamer)
Consistent new-ball bowler, known for early breakthroughs and economy in powerplay phases.
9. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka – Death-Overs Specialist)
A sling-action pacer who excels in the final overs, a skill set extremely limited in global T20 cricket.
10. Quinton de Kock (South Africa – Wicketkeeper-Opener)
A left-handed opener with extensive IPL experience, also filling the wicketkeeper role — a valuable dual skill for many squads.
Why these profiles matter for KKR
With the highest number of open overseas positions, KKR can target multiple roles:
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A top-order overseas all-rounder
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A death-overs pacer
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A middle-order enforcer
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A frontline spinner
KKR’s large auction purse and numerous vacancies position them as one of the most influential bidders at the 2026 auction table.
