3 teams that can target Quinton de Kock at the IPL 2026 auction ft. DC

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released experienced keeper-batter Quinton de Kock among other prominent names ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The KKR franchise also released Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali and Anrich Nortje, while Mayank Markande was traded out.

De Kock was purchased by KKR for ₹3.60 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 32-year-old played eight matches for the franchise and scored 152 runs at an average of 21.71 and a strike rate of 129.91. He clobbered 97* off 61 balls against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati. The knock featured eight fours and six sixes.

De Kock has the experience of 115 IPL matches in which he has scored 3,309 runs at an average of 30.63 and a strike rate of 134.02, with two hundreds and 24 half-centuries. In this feature, we predict three teams that could target the seasoned South African cricketer at the IPL 2026 auction.

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#1 Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have a terrific opening pair in the form of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. On their day, they can put any bowling attack to sword. During the 2024 IPL edition, the Abhishek-Head combination was in sensational, record-breaking form. Their partnership at the top of the order was one of the key reasons why SRH finished runners-up.

In IPL 2025, though, Head was not at his best. Abhishek played some good knocks, but there were a number of low scores as well. With their opening pair failing to recreate their magic, SRH struggled. While the franchise are backing Head-Abhishek to come good in IPL 2026, De Kock can be a good option at No. 3.

SRH's middle-order was out of sorts in IPL 2025. Head and Abhishek's inconsistent run did not help matters. De Kock's inclusion would strengthen SRH's batting. He could capitalize on a great start provided by the openers. In case, they perish cheaply, he can take on the mantle of scoring runs at a fast pace. With a purse of ₹25.5 crore, SRH have enough money to target De Kock.

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#2 Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals (DC) began IPL 2025 with a bang - four wins in four matches. However, they failed to qualify for the playoffs despite the exceptional start to the season. The major factor behind DC's slump was the inability of their top order to capitalize on the powerplay. They got stuck in a number of games at the start, which ended up costing them dearly.

DC have released both Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk - the latter had a forgettable IPL 2025 season. As such, they need some firepower to back the likes of KL Rahul, Abishek Porel and Karun Nair. An explosive opener should be on the top of Delhi's priority list with regards to the IPL 2026 auction.

With this experience and impressive big-hitting ability, De Kock could prove to be a pretty good option for the Delhi franchise for the next season. DC have a solid purse of ₹21.80 crore remaining for the auction. It would thus be fair to say that they have a more than decent amount to target the Proteas batting star.

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#3 Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR released De Kock ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, but they have enough reasons to buy him back as well. The Kolkata franchise also released the other wicketkeeper-batter in their squad - Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

KKR can look to purchase De Kock again at the auction at a lower price. The left-handed batter can perform the dual role of keeper and opening batter. He is also familiar with the Kolkata environment, having already been part of the team, so that can be seen as an added advantage.

KKR have a massive purse of ₹64.30 crore available for the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise can purchase a maximum of six overseas players. De Kock has a fair chance of returning to the Kolkata camp for the 2026 season.