Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a right-handed opening batter and occasional wicketkeeper from Afghanistan. He currently plays for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and represents Afghanistan in international cricket across all formats. Known for his aggressive strokeplay at the top of the order, Gurbaz has established himself as a dynamic opener capable of providing explosive starts.
In IPL 2025, Gurbaz featured prominently for Kolkata Knight Riders as their primary opener. He delivered several impactful innings, including a match-winning 89 against Chennai Super Kings and a blistering 76 versus Mumbai Indians. His consistent run-scoring and ability to handle the powerplay overs made him a vital component of KKR's batting strategy throughout the season.
Multiple franchises are expected to show interest in Gurbaz at the IPL 2026 auction, particularly teams seeking reliable aggressive openers. His capped status and proven IPL pedigree position him as an attractive option for sides looking to bolster their top order with international experience.
In IPL 2026, Gurbaz is likely to continue as a frontline opener, bringing his power-hitting ability and international pedigree to whichever franchise acquires him. Given his recent performances and market demand for quality openers, he is realistically expected to attract bids in the range of ₹3-5 crore at the upcoming auction, potentially exceeding his base price of ₹1.5 crore significantly.