The Kolkata Knight Riders walked out with 13 new faces and a number of strong options at the top from the IPL 2026 auction. With Cameron Green becoming the most expensive player in IPL history, coupled with the arrivals of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, KKR will have many choices to shape their opening pair for the new season. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, and Rachin Ravindra give the team further depth, which makes their top-order combination one of the biggest discussions ahead of IPL 2026. As many specialists are available, here are four opening combinations KKR can try in the upcoming season. 4 Opening Combinations KKR Can Try in IPL 2026 Cameron Green - Ajinkya Rahane The first choice for KKR seems to be Cameron Green and Ajinkya Rahane. One key reason is KKR's massive investment in Green and his value which he possesses at the top. Green has shown explosive ability in T20Is, scoring at a strike rate close to 190 and hitting two quick fifties. Starting with him gives KKR early firepower. On the other hand, Rahane brings calmness and control. With 3,600+ IPL runs and years of experience, he can anchor the innings while Green takes the aggressive route. Former India captain Anil Kumble also supported this suggestion and said Green should open because KKR already have strong finishers and can utilize Green's slogging ability during the field restrictions. This combination gives KKR both stability and power. Also Read | IPL’s Fresh Faces: The Most Exciting Uncapped Buys in 2026 Mini Auction Cameron Green - Tim Seifert Tim Seifert's addition gives KKR a ready-made overseas opener who happens to be in top form. The New Zealand batter recently slammed a century in the Big Bash League and has over 6,800 T20 runs with a strike rate above 150 as an opener. Then, pairing Seifert with Green makes for one of the most aggressive opening combinations in the league. This combination also allows Rahane to slip down to No. 3, where he had an excellent season last time out, with 390 runs in 12 innings at a healthy strike rate. Seifert's more natural attacking flair also dovetails nicely with Green's clean hitting. Ravichandran Ashwin also hinted at Green opening with Rahane, perhaps staying at No. 3. This fits the combo to a tee. Ajinkya Rahane - Tim Seifert This combination works if KKR want Green in his natural No. 3 role. Rahane can take charge as the senior opener, and Seifert can begin aggressively from the first over. That Green has over 480 IPL runs at a strike rate over 158 batting at No. 3 is perhaps a reason why KKR might want to retain him in that slot. It also gives the team a balanced structure, Ajinkya Rahane builds, Seifert attacks and Green then provides the momentum. This also reflects the old CSK-style opening partnership of "anchor + hitter." Also Read | Most Expensive Players from Each IPL Mini Auction (Year-Wise List) Ajinkya Rahane - Finn Allen Another serious contender is Finn Allen, who has been in outstanding form in the Big Bash League. If KKR want to give their innings a fast start, combining Allen with Rahane is a promising option. Allen's fearless six-hitting ability can help KKR start powerfully, while Rahane handles the other end with experience. This also allows Green to play as the key middle-order batter at No. 3. Allen offers KKR a long-term opening option and can help maintain an attacking approach through the season.