![KKR could try and retain Muzarabani for IPL 2027 [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780465090431_KKRcouldtryandretainMuzarabaniforIPL2027.jpg?type=hq)
KKR could try and retain Muzarabani for IPL 2027 [Source: AP]
The IPL 2026 is over, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated the Gujarat Titans to win their second successive IPL championship. The two-month-long tournament witnessed exhilarating cricket, and some fine stroke-making, with runs galore in the competition.
Apart from the run-scoring feast, the IPL 2026 also witnessed numerous injuries that hampered several franchises. CSK was the most affected side as the Yellow Army had injuries to most of their key players, while other IPL sides were also affected by the same.
As a result, the IPL sides signed replacement players. While some of them became undisputed starters, others failed to cement a place in the side.
In this piece, we take a look at the IPL replacement players who could be retained for the next season.
1) Rehan Ahmed
The Delhi Capitals suffered a massive jolt when English opener, Ben Duckett pulled out of the IPL to concentrate on his Test journey. He was supposed to be DC’s main opener alongside KL Rahul, but the franchise had to alter their plans as Duckett ditched them.
In the middle of the IPL season, the Capitals sprung a surprise when they decided to rope in English all-rounder Rehan Ahmed. Now, Rehan didn’t get a single game in the entire campaign, but the all-rounder could be of great use for the franchise, next season.
In IPL 2026, DC had two major problems, one being their spin department. Neither Kuldeep Yadav, nor Axar Patel instilled any confidence, and moreover, Kuldeep was dropped midway through the season. The franchise might release Kuldeep ahead of next season, and this is where Rehan Ahmed comes into play.
The wily leg-break bowler can be effective in the middle-overs for the Capitals, and apart from his bowling, Rehan is a capable pinch-hitter, and he can be used in the middle-order to give some lusty blows towards the fag end of the innings.
Also Read: IPL Emerging Player Of The Year Award Winners List
2) Blessing Muzarabani
Blessing Muzarabani, the Zimbabwean player, replaced the outgoing Mustafizur Rahman in the KKR squad for IPL 2026, and it won’t be an understatement to say that he was not given enough chances to justify his talent.
He played two IPL 2026 games and scalped 4 wickets. The economy was on the higher side, but Muzarabani showed his potential before he was snubbed from the playing XI.
There is a reason why KKR must try and retain Muzarabani’s services for the IPL 2027. Their first-choice pacer, Matheesha Pathirana, is injury-prone, and the Sri Lankan was ruled out of the tournament after not even playing one full game.
If they release Muzarabani as well, the side will not have any quality overseas pacer in their ranks. Instead of spending a hefty amount of money on another foreign pacer, KKR should aim to groom Muzarabani for next season.
3) Connor Esterhuizen
The Gujarat Titans replaced Tom Banton with the rising South African star, Connor Esterhuizen. The Proteas player didn’t feature in a single game, but with GT’s middle-order struggling, the side needs a reliable and aggressive batter.
| Criterion | Data |
| Matches | 44 |
| Runs | 926 |
| Strike rate | 129.87 |
(Esterhuizen T20 stats)
- He has a decent T20 strike rate (129), but the batter has the potential to become one of the best T20 batters in the business.
- Moreover, with Glenn Phillips not doing much in IPL 2026, the franchise might release him, and Esterhuizen could fulfil the middle-order role that Phillips failed to deliver.
