"I think they would have spoken to Sanju Samson" - Aakash Chopra on KKR's requirements ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former India player Aakash Chopra has opined that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might be looking for an experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter who can lead the franchise in IPL 2026. He noted that the three-time champions would have tried to trade in either KL Rahul or Sanju Samson from the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR), respectively.

KKR had an underwhelming run in IPL 2025, finishing eighth among 10 teams. They struggled with their wicketkeeper-batter option, with neither Quinton de Kock nor Rahmanullah Gurbaz performing as per expectations.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India opener reckoned that KKR potentially didn't succeed in trading in either Rahul or Samson for Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

"I think they tried to do a trade as well. I think they went to Delhi, that they should give them KL Rahul and take Venkatesh Iyer from them. They said, 'Thank you.' I think they would have spoken to Sanju Samson, that RR can give them Sanju Samson and take Venkatesh Iyer from them. They would have also said, 'Leave it," he said. (6:15)

While observing that Rishabh Pant might have been another potential target for KKR, Chopra opined that none of the three Indian wicketkeeper-batters will likely be available at the auction.

"They ideally need a senior Indian wicketkeeper-batter who can captain. That is the best. For that, KL Rahul or else Sanju Samson or else Rishabh Pant, but all three of them might not come in the auction. Sanju Samson might already be seen in Chennai's jersey. Delhi might not release KL Rahul. LSG will not release Rishabh Pant. So it doesn't work out for them there either," he observed.

Aakash Chopra highlighted that KKR find themselves in a slightly precarious situation, as they need a captaincy option if Ajinkya Rahane doesn't continue leading the franchise. He added that the IPL 2024 champions had virtually the same team this season, barring Shreyas Iyer, Phil Salt and Mitchell Starc, but didn't get the same result and were seen struggling and repenting.

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"They will still save ₹12-13 crore" - Aakash Chopra on KKR potentially releasing and reacquiring Venkatesh Iyer at the IPL 2026 auction

In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that the Kolkata Knight Riders could save significant money by releasing Venkatesh Iyer and reacquiring him for a cheaper sum at the IPL 2026 auction.

"They can release Venkatesh Iyer and buy him back. They would get him for ₹8-12 crore. They will still save ₹12-13 crore. I think Venkatesh Iyer will still get ₹8-10 crores in the mini auction, but he won't get ₹23.75 crore. Don't think about continuity this time, but slightly about prudence," he said. (7:50)

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that KKR would need to acquire backup Indian seam-bowling options for Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora, along with a couple of overseas pacers, if Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson are released.

"Backup for Indian pacers because Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and then who? It will be great if they can get a backup there. Overseas pacers, if they release both Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson, then they will need overseas fast bowlers. They will have money for that. I don't think they will have a money issue," Chopra observed.

To conclude, Aakash Chopra opined that the Kolkata Knight Riders could be the movers and shakers on the auction day, although he acknowledged that the franchise is known for breaking all records when they go after someone. He highlighted that KKR have spent exorbitant sums to acquire Mitchell Starc and Venkatesh Iyer previously.