Following a dismal IPL 2025 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up for a significant trade and mini auction window prior to IPL 2026. Three times champions underperformed, ending up eighth on the points table with only five victories in 14 matches. The move to release Shreyas Iyer and name Ajinkya Rahane as captain did not go as expected, while some important players such as Venkatesh Iyer did not provide consistent performances. With the retention window up for November 15, KKR will retain their main players as well as update their squad before the December 13–15 mini auction. Following is a list of five players they may opt for to give them a strong return in the next season. Five Players KKR Could Target in Trade and Mini Auction Luke Wood England's Luke Wood may be an excellent option for KKR as the team seeks to fortify their fast bowling department. The left-arm seamer has taken more than 210 wickets in 199 T20 games at a strike rate of 8.42. Wood's ability to swing the ball both ways, particularly back into right-handers, brings much-needed variety to KKR's bowling lineup. Having an experience of playing in the big leagues such as the PSL, ILT20, and the BBL, he has could be play a vital role in KKR's IPL 2026 campaign. Wood was a part of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, claiming one wicket in two matches. KKR may now provide him with an extended role, potentially taking the place of underperforming Spencer Johnson. Also Read | 10 Greatest IPL Auction Steals Ever by MI, DC, PBKS, RCB & KKR Tom Banton Tom Banton, who was once regarded as England's next big T20 star, has come back in touch in different leagues such as the ILT20 and Vitality Blast. He has collected over 4,700 T20 runs at a strike rate of 143.74. With Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz failing last season, KKR may seek a fresh wicketkeeper-batter. Banton's aggressive play, particularly against spinners, and his potential to change the game in the middle overs make him a thrilling prospect. Having already played for KKR in 2020–21, Banton knows the franchise system. Prithvi Shaw Prithvi Shaw may be an asset to KKR's opening order. Shaw went unsold in IPL 2025, but he has recovered well in domestic cricket by scoring consecutive centuries in the Buchi Babu Tournament and other tournaments. Given KKR's inability to be consistent with their openers, Shaw's aggressive style may be the key. The 25-year-old has 1,892 IPL runs at more than 147 strike rate. In case KKR want to cut loose Ajinkya Rahane, Shaw can be part of a fire-cricket opening combination to provide KKR blistering beginnings in the powerplay. Also Read | CricketGully's Best XI of IPL 2025: Stars Who Ruled the Season Cameron Green As Andre Russell approaches the twilight of his career in the IPL, KKR may look to Australia's Cameron Green as their new star all-rounder. Green has impressed during his appearances for RCB and MI with 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 matches. If KKR let go of high-price players such as Venkatesh Iyer and Anrich Nortje, they might make room for approximately ₹30 crore to splash out on Green. His ability to bat and bowl across formats renders him an ideal long-term purchase and an integral figure in KKR's rebuilding efforts. Sanju Samson One of the most daring steps that KKR can take is to sign Sanju Samson. There are reports that suggest that the Rajasthan Royals captain has asked to be released, and this can give other franchises the opportunity to sign him. KKR are reportedly seeking a long-term Indian skipper, and Samson's experience, temperament, and captaincy skills make him an ideal candidate. His capacity to bat as a wicketkeeper and top-order batter would also address several problems of the team. Samson's inclusion would infuse much-needed stability into both KKR's batting and captaincy unit.