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KKR signed Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for Akash Deep: For the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the troubles just don't seem to be subsiding ahead of the start of IPL 2026. The team's experienced fast bowler, Akash Deep, has been completely ruled out of the upcoming season due to an injury. As his replacement, KKR has inducted Vidarbha's young bowler, Saurabh Dubey, into their squad.
Big Blow for KKR: Akash Deep Ruled Out of IPL 2026
KKR had acquired Akash Deep at the auction for a base price of ₹1 crore. It was expected that he, alongside Harshit Rana, would spearhead the team's fast-bowling attack. However, following his injury, he is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. Akash Deep's exclusion—coming right after Harshit Rana's is being viewed as a major setback for the team's bowling unit.
Who is Saurabh Dubey? KKR's New Left-Arm Pacer
Saurabh Dubey, who steps in to replace Akash Deep, is a left-arm fast bowler who represents Vidarbha in domestic cricket. He has previously been a part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad, though he has not yet had the opportunity to make his IPL debut.
Speaking about Saurabh Dubey, National Selector Subroto Banerjee described him as an immensely talented bowler. He extracts extra bounce from the pitch and possesses the ability to swing the ball both ways. In 2019, under the coaching of Rahul Dravid, he also toured Bangladesh as part of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup squad.
KKR vs MI: Match Against Mumbai Indians on March 29
The curtain is set to rise on IPL 2026 on March 28. The Kolkata Knight Riders will kick off their campaign on March 29 with a match against the Mumbai Indians.
Now, it will be interesting to see whether the captain and the management give Saurabh Dubey an opportunity in the playing XI, and how he performs on this big stage.Also Read: Is Jasprit Bumrah Injured? Will He Miss IPL 2026? Latest Updates
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