Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders have been dealt a fresh setback ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with pacer Akash Deep ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

The development comes shortly after fellow fast bowler Harshit Rana was also sidelined, compounding the franchise’s fast-bowling woes.

Back injury sidelines Akash Deep

Akash Deep, who was bought for ₹1 crore at the mini-auction last year, has reportedly suffered a stress reaction in his lower back — an injury that typically requires 6–12 weeks of recovery.

The pacer did not join KKR’s pre-season camp in Kolkata and was absent from intra-squad practice matches at Eden Gardens, raising early concerns about his availability.

According to team sources, the injury was first noticed during his appearance for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy semi-final earlier this year.

More uncertainty around bowling unit

KKR’s pace attack now looks significantly depleted ahead of the season. Sri Lanka speedster Matheesha Pathirana is also awaiting clearance after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

With multiple uncertainties, the team will have to rely on available options such as Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Blessing Muzarabani, and Kartik Tyagi, alongside seam-bowling all-rounders Cameron Green and Ramandeep Singh.

Trials underway for replacements

In response to the injury crisis, KKR have begun scouting replacements by conducting trials in Kolkata.

Several domestic pacers, including Navdeep Saini, Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, Sandeep Warrier, KM Asif, and Sunil Kumar, have reportedly participated in these sessions.

Tough start awaits KKR

KKR are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.

With key bowlers unavailable, the franchise faces an uphill challenge in assembling a balanced attack before the tournament kicks off.

Conclusion: Injury concerns pile up

The back-to-back injuries have left KKR scrambling for solutions just days before IPL 2026 begins. How quickly they adapt and fill these gaps could play a crucial role in shaping their campaign this season.