Ajinkya Rahane's Replacement at KKR- Players Who Can Be Targeted In IPL 2027 Auction

Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane during IPL 2026 season [Source: X.com and AFP]

Ajinkya Rahane officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday, bringing an end to a memorable career that lasted for more than a decade with Team India. As a result, KKR will now have to find a new Indian opener ahead of IPL 2027 season.

It is important to note that KKR already have a few players who can be promoted to open the innings.

Ajinkya Rahane out of KKR too after announcing retirement

At the same time, the franchise could also target some talented Indian batters in IPL 2027 auction. 

Notably, these players can either be backup openers or step into the playing XI if one of the top-order batters gets injured. Here are three players who could replace Ajinkya Rahane in KKR squad ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.

Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw is one of the most experienced Indian openers available. Although his career has gone through a difficult phase in recent years, there is no doubt about his talent. For a long time, Shaw has been criticised over his fitness and discipline.

In the IPL 2026 auction, none of the teams showed interest in signing him despite his base price being ₹75 lakh. However, Delhi Capitals picked him in the final stages of the auction for his base price. Even then, he did not get a chance to play a single match as the team already had several opening options.

Meanwhile, reports of a possible trade involving Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians have been making headlines. At the same time, KKR could also show interest in Shaw if they are looking for an experienced backup opener.

Moreover, Shaw has good IPL numbers. Notably, he has played all his IPL cricket for Delhi Capitals, scoring 1,892 runs in 79 matches at an average of 23.94 and a strike rate of 147.46. Therefore, he could be a useful option for KKR.

Also Read: Who Will Captain KKR After Ajinkya Rahane’s Retirement? Best Replacements Available

Aman Rao

Another player who could be on KKR's radar is Aman Rao. Notably, the young batter has impressed everyone with his performances in domestic cricket and is currently a part of the Rajasthan Royals squad. However, he is expected to be released before IPL 2027 auction.

If that happens, KKR could look at him as a future opening option. In domestic T20 cricket, Aman scored 234 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 163. Apart from that, he was outstanding in Telangana T20 League 2026. He scored 297 runs in 7 innings at a brilliant strike rate of 245.45.

Looking at his recent form, KKR could try to sign him and strengthen their top order for the 20th edition.

Ankit Kumar

Haryana batter Ankit Kumar is another player who could be a good fit for KKR. Although he went unsold in IPL 2026 auction, he has been one of the best performers in domestic T20 cricket.

With a base price of ₹30 lakh, Ankit could be a smart buy for KKR. Notably, in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2026), he scored 448 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 172.30. He also scored five half-centuries and finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

Overall, Ankit has scored 907 runs in 32 T20 matches at a strike rate of 147.00. Therefore, if KKR are looking for an Indian opener who has been performing consistently in domestic cricket, Ankit Kumar could be one of their best options for IPL 2027.

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