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Who Will Replace Mustafizur Rahman?: A major news story has emerged ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Following a suggestion from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released their star Bangladeshi fast bowler, Mustafizur Rahman. KKR had bought him for a hefty sum of ₹9.2 crore in the auction, but the team is now looking for a replacement.
Mustafizur is a skilled left-arm bowler known for his cutters and slower balls. Replacing him won't be easy, but KKR has some excellent options as replacements. Let's take a look at 3 bowlers who could fill 'Fizz's' shoes:
3. Spencer Johnson – Familiarity and Pace
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Australian emerging left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson is not a new name for KKR. He was part of the same team last season. However, due to his underwhelming performance, he was released and remained unsold in the 2026 auction.
- Why he could be a good choice: He is a left-arm bowler like Mustafizur, providing the team with a natural angle.
- Challenge: Will KKR place their trust again in a player who disappointed them last season?
Also Read: India Announce Squad for NZ ODIs: Gill as Captain, Shreyas Iyer Returns
2. Sean Abbott – Experience and T20 Specialist
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Australia's Sean Abbott may not be as well-known internationally, but his record in T20 leagues (especially the Big Bash League) is exceptional.
Abbott, who went unsold in the auction, could prove to be a smart option.- Statistics: Over 261 wickets in 199 T20 matches are a testament to his skill.
- Skills: He not only bowls well in the death overs but can also contribute with useful batting lower down the order. His economy rate of 8.65 is quite impressive for T20s.
1. Gerald Coetzee – The South African Fire
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South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee is known for his express pace and aggressive bowling. With a base price of ₹2 crore in the 2026 auction, teams probably considered him expensive, and he went unsold. But KKR doesn't have a budget constraint after Mustafizur's departure.
- Specialty: Coetzee has the ability to take wickets in the middle overs.
- Advantage: His enthusiasm and hunger for wickets can further sharpen KKR's bowling attack.
Also Read: Virat Kohli New Year 2026 Resolution: 4 Major Records He is Ready to Break
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