Who is Finn Allen? KKR find new Phil Salt for Rs 2 Crore in IPL 2026 Auction

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Finn Allen is the latest acquisition for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2026 auction, as the New Zealand player has been acquired at his base price of Rs 2 crore.

Allen, known for his destructive batter up front, is expected to make a strong mark for the Knight Riders in the upcoming season.

Who is Finn Allen?

Finn Allen, born on 22 April 1999, is a 26-year-old New Zealand international cricketer renowned for his explosive right-handed opening batting in white-ball formats. He occasionally keeps wickets and has played domestic cricket for Auckland and Wellington.

Career Highlights

Allen debuted in T20Is in 2021, announcing his arrival with 71 off 29 balls against Bangladesh. He scored his maiden T20I century against Scotland in 2022 and equaled a record with 137 off 62 balls, including 16 sixes, against Pakistan in 2024. In MLC 2025, he smashed a league-record 151 off 52 balls with 19 sixes for San Francisco Unicorns. He has featured in global T20 leagues like BBL for Perth Scorchers and The Hundred.

Strengths

Allen ranks among the hardest hitters in world cricket, boasting exceptional power, hand-eye coordination, and a fearless approach from the first ball. His T20 strike rate frequently exceeds 170, making him a powerplay specialist. Allen can play the role of Phil Salt, which the Englishman played two seasons ago for the Knight Riders.

IPL Experience

Allen joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2021 as a replacement, playing limited matches across 2021-22. He went unsold in subsequent auctions but secured a ₹2 crore deal with Kolkata Knight Riders in the December 2025 mini-auction.

Finn Allen Career Statistics (as of December 2025)Matches: 52

Runs: 1,285

Average: 25.19

Strike Rate: 163+

Centuries: 2

Fifties: 5

Highest Score: 137