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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are facing a big problem before IPL 2026. They bought Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for INR 9.20 crore in the auction. But now, he will not play in the tournament.
Because of political tension between India and Bangladesh, many people in India were unhappy with Mustafizur playing in the IPL. After this, the BCCI asked KKR to release him, and the team agreed. Now KKR must find a replacement, but the auction is already over.
Replacing Mustafizur is very difficult. He can bowl in the powerplay, middle overs, and death overs. He also has great slower balls and cutters. Still, KKR have a few options. Let’s look at the top five players who can replace Mustafizur Rahman.
1. Jason Behrendorff (Australia)
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If KKR are searching for a proven powerplay specialist, Jason Behrendorff fits the bill. The Australian left-arm pacer is known for his ability to swing the new ball and pick up early wickets.
Behrendorff has previous IPL experience and has delivered consistent performances in franchise cricket. While his effectiveness drops slightly in the death overs, he can give KKR crucial breakthroughs upfront - something Mustafizur was expected to do.
2. Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)
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Another left-arm option, Fazalhaq Farooqi brings variety and international experience to the table. The Afghan pacer has impressed in T20 leagues worldwide with his ability to bowl a tight opening spell.
Farooqi may not replicate Mustafizur’s cutters, but his accuracy and calmness under pressure make him a solid short-term solution, especially during the powerplay overs.
3. Richard Gleeson (England)
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For teams looking to strengthen their middle and death-over bowling, Richard Gleeson is a strong candidate. The English right-arm pacer relies on pace, bounce, and variations to trouble batters.
Also Read: Why Mustafizur Rahman Was Released from KKR Ahead of IPL 2026
Although he can be slightly expensive, Gleeson is a proven wicket-taker and has experience bowling in high-pressure situations. His ability to break partnerships could be valuable for KKR on flat Indian pitches.
4. Riley Meredith (Australia)
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One of the fastest bowlers on this list, Riley Meredith offers raw pace and aggression. The Australian quick regularly clocks speeds above 145 km/h and is known for his attacking mindset.
Meredith may concede runs, but his wicket-taking ability, especially in the middle overs, makes him a dangerous option. For KKR, he could serve as a strike bowler rather than a containment option.
5. William O’Rourke (New Zealand)
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If KKR are willing to take a calculated gamble, William O’Rourke could be an intriguing pick. The tall New Zealand pacer possesses steep bounce, high pace, and natural athleticism.
O’Rourke showed promise during his stint with Lucknow Super Giants but is still unproven in T20 cricket. Injury concerns also linger. However, in terms of pure potential, he could develop into a multi-phase bowler - something KKR originally hoped Mustafizur would be.
Other Possible Options for KKR
KKR can also look at players like Joshua Little, Spencer Johnson, Gerald Coetzee, Jhye Richardson, and Naveen-ul-Haq. All of them have IPL experience, but their recent form has not been very good. Some of them have also struggled with injuries.
Final Words
Losing Mustafizur Rahman is a big loss for KKR. Finding a similar player is not easy. But if KKR choose wisely, they can still build a strong bowling attack for IPL 2026.
The team must decide whether they want a powerplay bowler, a death-over bowler, or a young fast bowler with future potential.
Also Read: Mustafizur Rahman IPL Controversy Explained: Why KKR Released Him
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