Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders will be up for a major restructuring in the upcoming 2026 IPL Mini Auction. Armed with a massive budget, the Knight Riders are expected to engage in bidding wars with multiple teams to secure their preferred targets.

As implied, the team will primarily focus on players who can tick all the boxes across various departments. That said, let’s take a look at three players KKR should consider targeting in the 2026 IPL mini-auction.

1. Cameron Green

Cameron Green is projected to fetch a premium price during the IPL 2026 auction. He missed last year's mega-auction due to injuries and is scheduled to return to the league this season. KKR is one of the teams expected to show considerable interest in him.

His ability to contribute in numerous departments makes him an invaluable asset in the T20 format, giving them more options for squad combinations. While numerous other clubs are anticipated to offer for him, KKR's position as the team with the most money may give them a significant advantage. In 29 IPL matches, he has scored 707 runs with an impressive average of 42 and a strike rate of 153.70. 

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. 

3. Jonny Bairstow

KKR have the most money and a significant vacuum in their squad: they have released their designated wicketkeepers, Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, making them require a top-order overseas batter. Jonny Bairstow is the ideal man to answer both concerns, as he can bat as a powerful opener and as a starting wicketkeeper. 

His aggressive style aligns with KKR's intended approach, and their large budget allows them to be the first bidder to capture him and solidify their top order. In 52 games, he has scored an impressive 1674 runs at an average of over 35 and a strike rate of 146.07.