How did KKR replacement player Blessing Muzarabani perform in last IPL season?
KKR signed Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the IPL 2026 mini-auction for INR 9.20 crore. However, the three-time champions had to release him from the squad on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Notably, due to political tensions between India and Bangladesh last year, Rahman’s addition to the IPL became a controversy. Fans heavily criticised the Knight Riders for including him in their squad despite violence against Indian communities in Bangladesh.
As a result, the BCCI ordered the Knight Riders to release him from the squad, respecting the sentiments of Indian fans. Later, KKR signed Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Rahman.
Muzarabani is a right-arm pacer from Zimbabwe who has played over 150 international games. He was also part of the Zimbabwe team that played in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Blessing Muzarabani was part of RCB in IPL 2025
Notably, Muzarabani is not new to IPL as he has been part of the tournament in previous seasons. In the 2022 edition, he was picked as a net bowler in the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad. He was initially picked as a potential replacement for Mark Wood.
In IPL 2025, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed him as a replacement player for Lungi Ngidi. The South African pacer left the tournament midway to prepare for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 final.
Notably, Muzarabani did not play any games for RCB last season. However, he became a part of the title-winning team when RCB defeated Punjab Kings in the final to lift the trophy.
Hence, Blessing is yet to make his debut in IPL. Since KKR are short of pacer Harshit Rana in the IPL 2026 due to a knee injury and will also miss the services of Matheesha Pathirana at the start, Muzarabani is highly expected to make his debut in IPL 2026.
Which team will Blessing Muzarabani play for in IPL 2026?
Muzarabani will play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.
Has Blessing Muzarabani played any matches in the IPL yet?
No, Muzarabani has not played any games in the Indian Premier League.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.