3 Teams Likely to Target Quinton de Kock in IPL 2026 Auction

South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock is among the biggest names listed in the group of 350 players set to go under the hammer at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He has registered himself at a base price of ₹1 crore, making him one of the most sought-after experienced openers available this year.

 

KKR released him ahead of the auction, along with Andre Russell

, Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali and Anrich Nortje. Mayank Markande was traded out too. De Kock was bought by KKR in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction for ₹3.60 crore and turned out for 8 matches last season, scoring 152 runs at an average of 21.71 and a strike rate of 129.91. His best innings was an unbeaten 97 off 61 balls in Guwahati against Rajasthan Royals.

 

Having played 115 matches throughout his IPL career, he has scored 3,309 runs at an average of 30.63 and a strike rate of 134.02, including 2 hundreds and 24 fifties. With his experience as an opener and wicketkeeper, several teams will be eyeing him in the 2026 auction.

 

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3 Teams Likely to Target Quinton de Kock in IPL 2026 Auction

 

Delhi Capitals (DC)

 

Delhi Capitals started IPL 2025 with four continuous wins but could not maintain their form and missed out on the playoffs. Their top order struggled to score quick runs in the powerplay, hurting their chances in many games.

 

DC have released Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk

, which has opened up a clear need for a strong opener who can attack from ball one. They need someone who can support KL Rahul, Abishek Porel and Karun Nair.

 

With ₹21.80 crore in the remaining purse, Delhi Capitals can go for Quinton de Kock to repair their opening problem. His attacking game and big-match exposure will be a very good fit.

 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

 

Although KKR released Quinton de Kock, there's always a good possibility that they will try to buy him back at a cheaper price. The team also released Rahmanullah Gurbaz

, leaving no experienced wicketkeeper-batter in the squad.

 

De Kock fits both roles - opening batter and wicketkeeper - which gives balance to their lineup. KKR already know his style and strengths from his time with the team. With the largest purse this year - ₹64.30 crore - they have the budget to bring him back and strengthen their top order. KKR can sign six overseas players, which also increases his chances of coming onboard.

 

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Gujarat Titans (GT)

 

The Gujarat Titans already have Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan opening for them, with Jos Buttler at No. 3. However, their middle order has been a problem, and that is where Quinton de Kock gives them far more flexibility.

 

GT can open with De Kock and Gill, and then have Sai and Buttler at 3 and 4. De Kock also has an excellent record at the Narendra Modi Stadium. In the only T20 he played there, he scored 70 off 41 balls at a strike rate of 170.7. His proven ability to play in Ahmedabad provides GT with another reason to target him.