New Delhi, March 21: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to kick off on March 28, but Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have received a significant blow. Fast bowler Aakash Deep has been ruled out for the entire season.
KKR acquired Aakash Deep for ₹1 crore during last year’s mini-auction. His absence comes at a critical time as the team’s fast bowling unit is already struggling with injuries.
An official associated with the franchise confirmed Aakash Deep’s unavailability, stating, “Yes, Aakash Deep will not be part of the upcoming IPL season. He has not yet departed for rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, but it is certain that he will not be available this season.”
KKR will begin their new season on March 29 against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians. This match is scheduled to take place at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
KKR’s pre-season camp commenced on March 18, and Aakash Deep was not in attendance. He was also absent from the intra-squad practice match held at Eden Gardens on Friday evening.
Reports suggest that Aakash Deep sustained an injury to his left heel while playing for Bengal against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy semi-final match at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani between February 15 and 18.
His absence raises further concerns for KKR’s fast bowling lineup. Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana is already sidelined following meniscus tear surgery, while Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is awaiting board approval after his injury. He had also missed significant time during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup due to a shoulder injury.
KKR’s fast bowling roster includes Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Blessing Muzarabani, and Kartik Tyagi, while Cameron Green and Ramandeep Singh provide all-round options in the fast bowling department.
KKR is conducting trials at Eden Gardens to scout new talent for their fast bowling unit. Players like Navdeep Saini, Aakash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, Sandeep Warrier, KM Asif, and Sunil Kumar are participating in trials to fill the gaps left by Rana and now Aakash Deep’s injuries.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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