Lungi Ngidi’s market value had depreciated over the past months compared to five years ago. While there have been sights of a return to form in last couple of months, with the slower delivery gripping and dipping, the South African pacer has not been as effective as he used to be.
In two IPL 2025 games, Ngidi picked up four wickets at an economy of 10.13. Apart from one decent performance, he was nowhere near the level of Hazlewood and even Nuwan Thushara.
In a video released on his YouTube account, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ the former India opener speculated that KKR may not have succeeded in swapping Rahul or Samson for Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
“I think they tried to do a trade as well. I think they went to Delhi, that they should give them KL Rahul and take Venkatesh Iyer from them. They said, ‘Thank you.’ I think they would have spoken to Sanju Samson, that RR can give them Sanju Samson and take Venkatesh Iyer from them. They would have also said, ‘Leave it’.”
Aakash Chopra
While noting that Rishabh Pant could have been a viable target for KKR, Chopra predicted that none of the three Indian wicketkeeper-batters would be available at the auction.
“They ideally need a senior Indian wicketkeeper-batter who can captain. That is the best. For that, KL Rahul or else Sanju Samson or else Rishabh Pant, but all three of them might not come in the auction. Sanju Samson might already be seen in Chennai’s jersey. Delhi might not release KL Rahul. LSG will not release Rishabh Pant. So it doesn’t work out for them there either.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra stated that KKR is in a slightly precarious scenario since they need a captaincy option if Ajinkya Rahane does not continue to lead the organization. He stated that the IPL 2024 champions had practically the same team this season, with the exception of Shreyas Iyer, Phil Salt, and Mitchell Starc, but could not achieve the same results and were seen struggling and repenting.
“They’ll still save ₹12-13 crore” – Aakash Chopra on KKR’s plan to release and buy back Venkatesh Iyer
In the same video, Aakash Chopra stated that the Kolkata Knight Riders might save a large amount of money by releasing Venkatesh Iyer and reacquiring him at a lower price at the IPL 2026 auction.
“They can release Venkatesh Iyer and buy him back. They would get him for ₹8-12 crore. They will still save ₹12-13 crore. I think Venkatesh Iyer will still get ₹8-10 crores in the mini auction, but he won’t get ₹23.75 crore. Don’t think about continuity this time, but slightly about prudence.”
Aakash Chopra
If Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson are released, the cricketer-turned-commentator believes KKR will need to sign backup Indian seamers for Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora, as well as a pair of international pacers.
“Backup for Indian pacers because Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and then who? It will be great if they can get a backup there. Overseas pacers, if they release both Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson, then they will need overseas fast bowlers. They will have money for that. I don’t think they will have a money issue.”
Aakash Chopra
In conclusion, Aakash Chopra says Kolkata Knight Riders will be the hunters on auction day even though this team is notorious for breaking all kinds of records when it comes to bidding for someone. They quoted KKR having paid ridiculous amounts to snap up the likes of Mitchell Starc and Venkatesh Iyer in the past.
