Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders have encountered another setback ahead of the new season, as Indian pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out. This development adds further strain to the team’s already limited fast-bowling resources.
KKR had picked Akash Deep for Rs 1 crore during the previous mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, but he will not feature in IPL 2026. A team source confirmed that he remains unavailable and has not yet reported to the Board of Control for Cricket in India Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.
He was absent from the pre-season training camp that began in Kolkata on March 18 and did not take part in the practice match held at Eden Gardens.
The fast bowler is likely dealing with a lower-back stress reaction, which typically requires several weeks to recover. Reports indicate that he may have developed this issue while representing Bengal in their Ranji Trophy semi-final against Jammu & Kashmir in Kalyani.
Injury Troubles Deepen for Pace Unit
KKR’s pace department continues to face difficulties, with Indian all-rounder Harshit Rana still recovering after knee surgery for a meniscus tear. At the same time, Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is awaiting clearance from his cricket board following a shoulder injury sustained during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Currently, the team’s fast-bowling options include Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Blessing Muzarabani, and Kartik Tyagi, while Cameron Green and Ramandeep Singh offer additional seam options as all-rounders.
To address the shortage, KKR have initiated player trials at Eden Gardens in search of replacements. Several domestic bowlers, including Navdeep Saini, Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, Sandeep Warrier, KM Asif, and Sunil Kumar, have taken part as the franchise evaluates its options.
Despite these setbacks, KKR will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29, aiming to begin their season on a positive note.
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