The Kolkata Knight Riders had a difficult 2025 IPL season. We all had such high expectations going into the campaign, yet it seemed like everything went wrong, didn’t it? It left a lot of us fans and the team management scratching our heads. But now, with the team heading for a major reset before the IPL 2026 auction, the front office has a massive job on its hands.

3 KKR Trade Targets for IPL 2026

The big question isn’t just about filling in the gaps. It’s about finding those special KKR target players in IPL 2026 who can actually change the game. The chatter about potential KKR trade targets is getting intense, and the whole goal is to find the kind of talent that can bring a new era of success to the franchise.

Rashid Khan

Role: Leg-spin bowling all-rounder (Afghanistan)
Current Team: Gujarat Titans

Some players just seem to have a knack for this game, like they were born to play it? When you see Rashid Khan, that’s what comes to mind. He uses the ball like a magician. In addition to his beautiful leg-break, he has so many more techniques that he never fails to keep batsmen guessing.

It’s a 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 view from the top! ✨ pic.twitter.com/L0geUejg1o

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) September 2, 2025

His ability to shift the game is what truly makes him stand out; he takes those vital wickets when you need them and is so frugal that he creates incredible pressure from one end. Not to mention his batting prowess, he has won games on his own out of seemingly insurmountable circumstances. He is also a born leader and an excellent fielder.

Best Test figures for Afghanistan to record a historic win! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rsU8wv9aFl

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) January 7, 2025

Why would he be one of KKR trade targets? They have been looking for that reliable middle-overs spinner who can take wickets for some time now. No one has been able to fill that void, despite their attempts with a number of different men. This issue would be resolved immediately if Rashid were brought in. The quick bowlers would be greatly relieved by him, and the team would gain much-needed depth from his batting contributions.

Mitchell Starc

Role: Left-arm fast bowler (Australia)
Current Team: Delhi Capitals

Everyone knows the name Mitchell Starc. For good reason, he is considered a fast bowling legend. The man can swing the new ball at lightning speed and bowls with an aggressive, in-your-face style. He is a left-arm quick bowler. His precision with the yorker is absolutely ridiculous in the death overs. It’s no wonder he’s been a match-winner for both Australia and different teams around the world. His biggest strength? Taking wickets in the power play. He just sets the tone for the entire match and puts the other team on the back foot from the get-go. Plus, he’s a handy batsman in the lower order who can clear the ropes with ease.

All rights reserved 🫡🔥 pic.twitter.com/8GX2Jr7j5D

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 24, 2025

Why would he even be one of the KKR target players in IPL 2026? They have been looking for a fast bowler of the highest calibre for a very long time, but nobody has been able to provide them with the genuine competitive advantage that a winning team requires. They would acquire a proven match-winner who can spearhead the bowling attack by bringing in Starc.

Reliable. Consistent. Starcy. 💪💙 pic.twitter.com/vmOjlEnBUY

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 6, 2025

Well, the guy’s ability to handle the pressure is huge for the squad. Everyone’s confidence would soar just by his presence. The difference between a difficult defeat and a significant victory could be determined by taking those vital wickets during the powerplay and at the end of the match. Furthermore, he has a winning attitude and a track record of winning important competitions like the World Cup, which is incalculable.

Marcus Stoinis

Role: Batting all-rounder (Australia)
Current Team: Punjab Kings

Marcus Stoinis is a powerful all-around player who can drastically alter the outcome of a game in a few overs. He is an Australian power batter who can easily cross the boundary. He exhibits remarkable versatility by being able to bat anywhere from the top of the order to produce brilliant finishes in the final overs.

𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐧!💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/tRLJv4vnaB

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 29, 2025

He’s a good fast-medium pacer with the ball and may bowl crucial overs during the innings. Even the finest hitters can be troubled by his ability to strike the deck hard and cause the ball to bounce unnaturally. And his fielding? Top-notch. He’s a safe pair of hands and can save a ton of crucial runs in the outfield. So, why would he be one of KKR trade targets? They’ve struggled for a while now to find the right balance in their playing XI. They always seem to have to choose between an extra bowler and an extra batsman. Marcus Stoinis would allow KKR to resolve this issue all at once.

Marcus S𝐓𝐎𝐍is! 💯 pic.twitter.com/wKy6HuklqN

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 24, 2025

He, as one of the KKR target players in IPL 2026, strikes the ideal balance, providing them with a dependable bowling option and a top-notch middle-order batting option. This would give the team amazing depth and relieve a great deal of burden on the key bowlers. The captain would have far more options in every aspect of the game if he were present.