Akash Deep ruled out as bowling attack weakens ahead of IPL 2026
March 21, 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders have been dealt a major blow ahead of IPL 2026, with pacer Akash Deep ruled out of the entire tournament due to a lower back injury. The fast bowler has not joined the team camp and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The setback comes just days before the season opener, disrupting KKR’s bowling plans significantly.
The crisis deepens with Harshit Rana also sidelined after knee surgery, while Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is yet to regain full fitness and is expected to join only by mid-April. Adding to the complications, Mustafizur Rahman was released from the squad, forcing the franchise to bring in Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement to strengthen their pace attack.
With multiple setbacks affecting their bowling unit, KKR will now rely heavily on players like Umran Malik and Vaibhav Arora, alongside all-rounders such as Sunil Narine and Cameron Green. As the tournament approaches, the two-time champions face a tough challenge to rebuild their bowling strength and stay competitive in the early phase of the season.