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KKR's Pace Crisis Deepens as Akash Deep Likely to Miss IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders face a severe pace bowling crisis with Indian pacer Akash Deep likely to miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to a lower-back stress injury requiring three more months of recovery. This compounds existing setbacks, as Harshit Rana is also ruled out and Sri Lankan star Matheesha Pathirana is expected to miss the first half. The franchise is now trialing for an Indian fast bowler to replace Rana while their attack will lean on Vaibhav Arora and replacement signing Blessing Muzarabani. Akash Deep last played competitive cricket in February during the Ranji Trophy, where he had a strong season for Bengal.

Key Points: Akash Deep Injury: KKR Pacer Ruled Out of IPL 2026

  • Akash Deep out with back injury
  • Harshit Rana also ruled out
  • Matheesha Pathirana to miss first half
  • KKR trials for Indian pacer replacement
  • Pace attack relies on Arora, Muzarabani
2 min read

KKR face another injury setback as Akash Deep likely to miss IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders suffer another blow as pacer Akash Deep is likely to miss IPL 2026 with a back injury, worsening their pace bowling crisis.

"Akash Deep still needs three months to recover. - ESPNCricinfo"

Kolkata, March 21

Kolkata Knight Riders face another injury setback as Indian pacer Akash Deep is likely to be ruled out of the upcoming season due to a lower-back stress injury he has not yet recovered from, reported ESPNCricinfo on Saturday.

As per ESPNCricinfo, Akash Deep still needs three months to recover. His last appearance in competitive cricket was against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 back in mid-February. The pacer had a solid season with Bengal, taking 22 wickets in six matches at an average of 27.13, with a four-fer and a five-wicket haul to his name.

The bowler, who took a historic ten-wicket haul during India's landmark Test win at Birmingham against England last year, was not a part of the team's preparation camp and was present in Bengaluru for his rehab at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence.

This injury is the latest dent to KKR's fast bowling department, with Indian pacer Harshit Rana all but ruled out due to his injury, while Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is also expected to miss the first half of the competition due to injury. He was bought by KKR for Rs 18 crores last season, and their absence removes considerable international experience from the bowling line-up. Vaibhav Arora, who has formed a fine pace partnership with Harshit over the last couple of seasons, could be one of the leaders of the pace line-up alongside Zimbabwe's star bowler Blessing Muzarabani (replacement of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman). The fast bowling attack also features youngsters Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi. Cameron Green is also a seam-bowling all-rounder option, but the big buy from Australia is injury-prone and could need workload management.

Heading into the tournament, KKR had lost the services of Mustafizur after they released him from the squad on instructions from the BCCI in light of minority atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

The team is conducting trials for finding an Indian fast bowler, a replacement for Rana, as they attempt to repair and rebuild their pace attack ahead of the new season.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Player health should be the top priority. It's better he takes the full time to recover properly rather than rushing back and risking a longer-term issue. Wishing Akash Deep a speedy recovery! 🙏
A
Aman W
With so many injuries, KKR's auction strategy is under question. Spending 18 crores on an injury-prone player like Cameron Green looks risky. The management needs to build a deeper bench strength.
S
Sarah B
Time for youngsters like Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi to step up! This could be their big opportunity to shine on the IPL stage. Every crisis brings a chance for someone new.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions Mustafizur's release due to events in Bangladesh. While cricket and politics should ideally be separate, player safety and national sentiment are important considerations. A tough but necessary call by the BCCI.
K
Karthik V
Vaibhav Arora and Blessing Muzarabani will have to carry the attack. Muzarabani is a quality replacement. Let's hope the Indian pacers in the trials can impress. KKR's season might depend on finding a hidden gem!

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