IPL 2026 Auction Preview: KKR, RR, LSG, GT, MI Needs

While several franchises enter the IPL 2026 auction with stable cores, none are completely finished products. The mini-auction will be about precision rather than volume, with teams focusing on role clarity, balance, and contingency planning.

From Kolkata’s search for a new talisman to Mumbai’s hunt for backups, here is a team-by-team breakdown of what still needs fixing.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Finding the Next Pillar

Kolkata Knight Riders arrive with the largest purse at the table and plenty of flexibility. The departure of their long-time allrounder has left a massive void, not just in skills but in identity. Replacing that influence will be their biggest challenge.

Cameron Green is viewed internally as the ideal answer. With both batting depth and pace-bowling value, he fits KKR’s long-term needs perfectly, and the franchise has the budget to push hard. Whether they secure him or pivot to an alternative will define their auction.

Opening is another unresolved area. Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine provided stability earlier, but Narine’s returns have dipped. KKR could explore a new opening combination, and a wicketkeeper-opener is firmly in consideration, especially after releasing all keepers from their 2025 squad.

The franchise has rotated keepers endlessly in recent years and will want long-term clarity. Middle-order roles for Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rovman Powell will depend heavily on who comes in. An overseas fast bowler is also a clear requirement after releasing Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson.

Key Targets: Cameron Green, Quinton de Kock, Jonny Bairstow, Matheesha Pathirana

Rajasthan Royals: One Missing Piece in an Upgraded Core

Rajasthan Royals have quietly strengthened their squad through major acquisitions. Adding Sam Curran, Donovan Ferreira, and Ravindra Jadeja has improved both balance and leadership. However, one glaring gap remains.

The absence of a specialist wrist spinner stands out. Between 2022 and 2024, RR thrived with a strong spin pairing. Recreating that combination is their top priority this auction, especially after struggling badly in the middle overs last season.

With Sanju Samson no longer part of the setup, wicketkeeping depth is also essential. Dhruv Jurel is first choice, but RR will want a reliable Indian backup to avoid disruption.

Bowling was a major weakness in 2025, particularly at the death. If RR manage to add domestic batting depth, they may even free up an overseas slot for an extra seamer, allowing flexibility with Hetmyer or Ferreira depending on conditions.

Key Targets: Ravi Bishnoi, Rahul Chahar, Vignesh Puthur, Kartik Sharma

Lucknow Super Giants: Batting Balance Is the Priority

Lucknow Super Giants are unusually well stocked in fast bowling. With Mohammed Shami joining an already strong Indian pace group, LSG’s bowling depth is among the best in the league.

That strength shifts the auction focus firmly towards batting. LSG need a reliable middle-order batter and an allrounder who can contribute with the bat. This is critical because their bowling unit offers almost no batting depth.

Three overseas slots are effectively locked based on last season’s success. The fourth overseas decision will shape their balance. An allrounder fits best, but if that fails, domestic batting becomes the fallback option.

Spin is another subtle concern. Digvesh Rathi is the only wrist spinner in the squad after parting ways with Bishnoi. LSG may look to address this if value appears late in the auction. An overseas pacer could also be added as cover.

Key Targets: Jason Holder, Wiaan Mulder, Deepak Hooda, Alzarri Joseph

Gujarat Titans: Fine-Tuning an Already Complete Squad

Gujarat Titans are among the most settled teams heading into IPL 2026. Their core is intact, their leadership is stable, and their roles are clearly defined. As a result, most of their remaining slots are overseas-focused.

Despite having Kumar Kushagra as a capable backup, GT may still prefer an experienced overseas wicketkeeper to support Jos Buttler. Familiar options like Kusal Mendis remain on the radar.

Another possible move is strengthening the overseas middle order. Letting go of Sherfane Rutherford opens space for a power hitter, and a reunion with David Miller is a realistic scenario given his past success with the franchise.

With Gerald Coetzee released, pace depth is the final box to tick. GT are likely to look for a backup quick who can support Kagiso Rabada without disrupting balance.

Key Targets: David Miller, Liam Livingstone, Kusal Mendis, Matt Henry

Mumbai Indians: Luxury Problems, Limited Budget

Mumbai Indians enter the auction with the smallest purse, which reflects how complete their squad already is. With most positions locked, MI’s approach will be conservative and targeted.

Their main concern is wicketkeeping depth. Ryan Rickelton remains first choice, but his recent form has been inconsistent. MI will look for a backup option, though budget constraints may limit ambition.

The other priority is adding one domestic middle-order batter. With a long season and heavy workload on key players, depth is essential even for a stacked lineup like MI’s.

Beyond that, Mumbai are unlikely to make aggressive moves. Their success will depend more on fitness and execution than auction-day drama.

Key Targets: Jonny Bairstow, Kusal Mendis, Jamie Smith

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR Auction Snapshot

KKR Squad Status

KKR Auction Priorities

KKR Potential Targets

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

RR Auction Snapshot

RR Squad Status

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RR Potential Targets

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

LSG Auction Snapshot

LSG Squad Status

LSG Auction Priorities

LSG Potential Targets

Gujarat Titans (GT)

GT Auction Snapshot

GT Squad Status

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GT Potential Targets

Mumbai Indians (MI)

MI Auction Snapshot

MI Squad Status

MI Auction Priorities

MI Potential Targets

Auction-Wide Takeaways