Is KKR preparing a big bid for Prithvi Shaw at the IPL Auction 2026? – Cricket Addictor
Published – 11 Dec 2025, 11:42 AM
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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up for a major move ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, and the player they are reportedly most excited about is Prithvi Shaw. The franchise is all set to rebuild the top of their batting order, especially after releasing South Africa’s Quinton de Kock.
With the Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz already retained, the Kolkata Knight Riders now need a strong Indian opener who can attack from the very first over, and India’s discarded opener Prithvi Shaw is emerging as the ideal option for them.
Shaw’s incredible form in the domestic cricket this season has made him one of the most talked-about names going into the IPL 2026 auction, which is scheduled to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. After going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, he shifted to Maharashtra from Mumbai and completely revived his lost career.
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The right-handed batter’s performances in both the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 have been exceptional. In the Ranji Trophy alone, he has already scored more than 450 runs from just seven innings, including the record-breaking double century.
His form in T20 cricket has been just as impressive. Leading the Maharashtra T20 side, Shaw smashed two fast 66-run knocks in consecutive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 matches—one off 36 balls and another off just 30 balls.
These knocks reminded everyone of his natural ability to dominate bowlers. Meanwhile, KKR’s team management and support staff have been closely watching Shaw’s progress. He can be the perfect candidate to open the innings alongside Gurbaz in the IPL 2026.
His fearless style, his aggressive strokeplay, and his ability to give explosive starts match exactly what KKR wants from their top order after releasing the experienced South African opener.
With the team going through a revamp and holding the biggest purse (Rs 64.30 crore) for the IPL 2026 auction, the three-time IPL champions must be determined to strengthen their Indian core, and Shaw fits that plan perfectly. Another reason for their strong interest is the admiration he has earned from the KKR head coach, Abhishek Nayar.
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Nayar believes that Shaw has the natural talent to be a game-changer, and his recent performances show he is ready for a big comeback. He is entering the IPL 2026 auction with a base price of ₹75 lakh on December 26 at the auction in Abu Dhabi.
Abhishek Nayar said in a recent interview, “If there’s one player I would like to work with who has the potential and messed it up, it’s Prithvi Shaw. He is God’s gift to cricket. He is a gifted player, and his biggest strength is the amount of time he has (while judging the delivery).
He has a great set of hands and picks the ball very early. He is somebody who does well in swinging and seaming conditions. I remember him scoring his runs for Mumbai last year when we played together; he scored runs in tough conditions as well. I think he has got a great head on his shoulders and has a bright future ahead of him.”
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