‘That was absolutely phenomenal’ – Former opener breaks down KKR’s strategy in IPL 2026 auction

KKR. (Photo source: IPL)

Former India opener Aakash Chopra explained that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL 2026 mini-auction as a backup for Matheesha Pathirana, who has been injury-prone and out of form of late.

KKR spent a whopping INR 18 crore to acquire the services of the 22-year-old Sri Lankan pacer. On the other hand, Mustafizur earned a contract worth INR 9.20 crore.

“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 in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

“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.

“He might play at least four to six knocks that win you the match” – Aakash Chopra on Cameron Green

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that he wasn’t surprised at all when Cameron Green joined KKR at the auction. The Australian all-rounder was roped in for INR 25.2 crore.

“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.

Chopra suggested that the three-time champions should allow Green to bat in the top-order as he can cause maximum damage to the opposition teams if he gets to face more deliveries.

“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.

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