IPL 2026 Mini Auction: Top 3 players Kolkata Knight Riders should target for in the upcoming mini auction

2. Matheesha Pathirana

KKR should also go after death-overs specialist Matheesha Pathirana. The Chennai Super Kings released him before the auction. He is projected to receive high bids in the mini-auction due to high demand and a scarcity of excellent death bowlers.

Several teams are likely to pursue him because he is considered one of the best death bowlers in international cricket. His slingy action, akin to that of the legendary Lasith Malinga, makes him exceedingly difficult to pick. In 32 matches, he has 47 wickets at an economy rate of 8.68, demonstrating his value, which all franchises will strive for.