Akash Deep has been ruled out of IPL 2026 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Kolkata Knight Riders just can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to their fast bowling unit. Just when things were already hanging by a thread with Harshit Rana’s situation and Matheesha Pathirana still waiting on clearance, another blow has landed. Akash Deep is now officially ruled out of IPL 2026. And let’s be honest, this isn’t coming out of the blue. Akash Deep’s career has been a stop-start story with injuries playing spoilsport time and again. In four IPL seasons, he has only managed 14 matches. That is not even a full season’s worth. Now, with the tournament just around the corner, KKR are scrambling to plug the gap. Trials have already started at Eden Gardens and a bunch of domestic pacers are trying to throw their hat in the ring. Let’s break down the top five contenders who could replace Akash Deep in KKR squad for IPL 2026. Akash Deep Replacements for KKR in IPL 20261. Akash MadhwalAkash Madhwal has quietly built a reputation as a clutch performer. Especially when the heat is on. His stint with Mumbai Indians showed that he has got nerves of steel. Yorkers at will, control under pressure and the ability to deliver in crunch moments, that is gold dust in T20 cricket. With 23 wickets in 17 matches and even a five-wicket haul to his name, Madhwal isn’t just a backup option. He is someone who can walk straight into the XI and own the death overs.2. Simarjeet SinghSimarjeet Singh might not be the biggest name on the list, but he is quietly knocking on the door. In 14 matches, he has picked up 11 wickets, but at an average of 36.36 and an economy of 10.00, the numbers aren’t flattering. But cricket isn’t always played on paper. His recent performances in the Delhi Premier League have brought him back into the focus. He looks sharper, more confident, and in rhythm. KKR might just take a punt on current form over past numbers. Also Read- Akash Deep Ruled Out Of IPL 2026, KKR In Disarray3. Navdeep SainiIf KKR want someone who can hit the deck hard and crank up serious pace, Navdeep Saini is right there at the front of the queue. He has played 28 IPL matches so far, picking up 17 wickets at an economy of 8.48. The average of 48.71 does raise eyebrows, but numbers don’t always tell the full story with Saini. His real weapon is pace. When he gets it right, he can hurry batters and extract bounce even on flat decks. He has been around the IPL circuit long enough, playing for Delhi, RCB, and Rajasthan Royals. For KKR, this could be a gamble worth taking.4. Chetan SakariyaThen comes the dark horse: Chetan Sakariya. He already knows the KKR environment, having been part of the setup last season as a replacement. That familiarity counts for a lot. More importantly, he offers something KKR currently lack: a left-arm angle. Ever since Mustafizur Rahman was ousted from IPL 2026, that variety has been missing. Sakariya can swing the new ball and mix it up with clever variations. His 2021 season with Rajasthan Royals, where he picked up 14 wickets, showed what he is capable of. And even though he went unsold in the auction, make no mistake, he is still a serious option. KKR’s bowling puzzle ahead of IPL 2026 At this point, KKR are trying to patch a leaking ship before the storm hits. Injuries have thrown their plans off track, and now it is all about finding the right combination quickly. Do they go for raw pace, death-over specialists, or a left-arm option for balance? That is the million-dollar question. One thing is certain though, whoever steps in has big shoes to fill, and KKR need someone who can hit the ground running.Also Read: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood’s IPL Unavailability- Cricket Australia Sent SOS
