3 players who could replace Akash Deep at KKR for IPL 2026

KKR signed Akash Deep for a price of INR 1 crore at the IPL 2026 auction.

The 19th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is all set to commence on March 28 in Bengaluru. The three-time champion, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are ready to try their luck to add another title to their kitty. But the path to glory is becoming tougher for KKR.

From axing Mustafizur Rahman to injuries to Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana, KKR have now suffered another big blow. Indian pacer Akash Deep, as per the reports in Cricbuzz, has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 due to an injury. That means KKR will be without some of their first-choice fast bowlers.

Akash’s injury will now force the franchise to seek replacement options. With only a few days left to the start of the tournament, KKR will be exploring the different options. Here are three players who can replace injured Akash Deep at KKR in the IPL 2026.

3 players who could replace Akash Deep at KKR for IPL 2026

3. Navdeep Saini

Once considered India’s upcoming bowling star, Navdeep Saini had many ups and downs in his career. His history with injuries hasn’t helped him as well. But whenever he is fit, he is a quality fast bowler who can bowl at a rapid pace. Saini, who has 23 IPL wickets at an economy rate of 8.88, has not featured in the IPL since 2023.

However, he is fit and performing well for Delhi at the domestic level. He can be a good replacement for KKR. He is also on the list of bowlers giving trials at Eden Gardens, and we can see him bowling for them in the IPL 2026.

2. Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal is another Indian pacer who is giving trials at Eden Gardens and is on the list of bowlers who can come in as replacements for the three-time champions. Madhwal has played for MI and RR and holds the record for the joint-best bowling figure in the IPL by an Indian.

He can bowl at different phases, which makes him an ideal bowler in the shorter format. Madhwal is also good at death, making him an all-round pace bowler.

1. Umesh Yadav

Veteran Indian pacer Umesh Yadav can be a pretty good pick to replace Akash Deep. The 38-year-old is a proven match-winner with the ball and has already represented KKR for six seasons. He has played 148 IPL games and has 144 wickets.

He is still bowling well and is a regular face for his domestic side in T20s. He brings his experience to the table and is a very good new ball bowler. With KKR already struggling with pace-bowling options, Umesh’s inclusion can strengthen this area.

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