"That was absolutely phenomenal" - Aakash Chopra on KKR's acquisitions in IPL 2026 auction

Former India player Aakash Chopra has termed the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) acquisition of Matheesha Pathirana at the IPL 2026 auction 'absolutely phenomenal.' He highlighted that the three-time champions spent ₹18 crore on a bowler who has both injury and form concerns.

KKR spent ₹63.85 crore to acquire 13 players at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16. Cameron Green (₹25.20 crore), Pathirana (₹18 crore) and Mustafizur Rahman (₹9.20 crore) were their most expensive buys at the mini auction.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India opener noted that the Kolkata Knight Riders spent a massive sum to acquire an injury-prone and out-of-form Pathirana, but also bought Mustafizur as a backup.

"They have placed a massive bid on Pathirana. There is an injury concern, and a bigger concern of form, but they said it doesn't matter, that they would be able to manage, and that they needed him," Chopra said.

"So they went till ₹18 crore. That was absolutely phenomenal. After that, they needed a backup, that if Pathirana isn't fit, or isn't in form, or is bowling wides, they have Mustafizur Rahman as well," he added.

The Kolkata Knight Riders outbid the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to buy Matheesha Pathirana at the IPL 2026 auction. They outbid DC and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to acquire Mustafizur Rahman.

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"Everyone knew and it wasn't a hidden thing that Cameron Green would go towards KKR" - Aakash Chopra on all-rounder's acquisition at IPL 2026 auction

Cameron Green was the most expensive buy at the IPL 2026 auction. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that the Kolkata Knight Riders expectedly outbid the Chennai Super Kings to acquire Cameron Green at the IPL 2026 auction.

"Everyone knew and it wasn't a hidden thing that Cameron Green would go towards KKR. We had already said that Cameron Green is a knight. My good guess was that CSK would push them till ₹25 crore, and they pushed them till there only," he said.

The former KKR player opined that the Australian all-rounder could play quite a few match-winning knocks for the franchise if he bats at the top of the order throughout the season.

"He eventually went to KKR for ₹25.20 crore. They have got an option as a top-order batter, who is a quality player. If he stays fit, he bowls and bats, and if he opens in 14 matches, he might play at least four to six knocks that win you the match," Chopra observed.

To conclude, Aakash Chopra pointed out that the Kolkata Knight Riders flexed their muscles a little at the IPL 2026 auction. He highlighted that the franchise that had the maximum remaining purse acquired the two best death bowlers and the best player available at the auction.