IPL 2026: 3 players who could replace Mustafizur Rahman at KKR squad

Mustafizur Rahman has been released by KKR ahead of the IPL 2026.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad at the instruction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026.

KKR acquired the 30-year-old for a winsome price of INR 9.2 crore in the mini-auction in December 2025. However, the decision came amid widespread criticism surrounding Mustafizur’s inclusion in the league, fueled by the ongoing civil unrest in Bangladesh.

Nevertheless, as KKR have released Rahman, their hunt for a worthy replacement commences from the pool of players who went unsold at the auction. Taking a look at the pool, here are the three players who could replace Mustafizur Rahman in the KKR squad.

3. Spencer Johnson

Currently out of action due to injury, Spencer Johnson could be a likely candidate to replace Mustafizur Rahman for the Kolkata Knight Riders. The Australian bowler was also a part of Kolkata in 2025; however, he picked up only one wicket in four games for the three-time champions.

During the 2024 season, the left-arm pacer player featured under the Gujarat Titans banner, playing five games in which he accumulated four wickets.

However, Johnson also has experience playing in the Big Bash League (BBL), the Vitality Blast, and The Hundred tournament. The 30-year-old has taken 85 wickets in 71 T20 games.

2. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi could also replace Mustafizur Rahman in the KKR line-up. The left-arm pacer is a crucial part of Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup and has already played in the IPL for the likes of the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The 25-year-old has played 12 matches in the IPL, picking up six wickets. However, his performance in the last season for the Royals was below average, as he conceded 210 runs without taking any wickets. Farooqi has played a total of 51 T20Is for Afghanistan, in which he has picked 63 wickets.

1. Richard Gleeson

Richard Gleeson has been in decent form in the SA20 for Joburg Super Kings, who are currently at the top of the league with three wins in three games. In the three matches, the English fast bowler has taken eight wickets.

Against Durban’s Super Giants, Gleeson took three wickets while conceding only two runs with an economy of 0.92. The 38-year-old has played three matches in the IPL, one for the Mumbai Indians and two for the Chennai Super Kings.

However, with his current form, he can potentially help the Knight Riders deliver solid performances in the Indian Premier League. Gleeson’s T20 record spans 133 matches, during which he has taken 157 wickets.

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