IPL 2026: Akash Deep ruled out ahead of season opener as KKR’s pace crisis deepens

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have suffered another major setback ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with India pacer Akash Deep reportedly being ruled out of the tournament, further weakening an already depleted fast-bowling unit. Cricbuzz reported the development, citing a senior franchise official.

“Unfortunately, he is out of the IPL, ruled out for the season,” a KKR official told Cricbuzz, confirming the absence of the 29-year-old Bengal fast bowler, who had been picked at his base price of ₹1 crore in the previous mini-auction.

Akash Deep has not joined the KKR training camp, which has been underway in Kolkata since March 18.


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Injury concerns and absence from camp

According to Cricbuzz, the pacer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, although the specifics of his injury have not been disclosed.

Communication between the Centre of Excellence and the franchise is believed to be ongoing regarding his fitness status.

The latest injury setback continues a pattern for Akash Deep, whose career has been interrupted by recurring fitness issues. Since making his IPL debut in 2022, he has played just 14 matches across four seasons, taking 10 wickets.

He was part of Lucknow Super Giants in the previous season after being bought for ₹8 crore but was released after one year.

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KKR’s mounting fast-bowling crisis

Akash Deep’s unavailability adds to KKR’s growing list of pace concerns. Harshit Rana has already been ruled out due to knee surgery, while Matheesha Pathirana, signed for ₹18 crore, is still awaiting clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket and is expected to miss at least part of the season.

KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar had earlier hinted at a possible replacement signing. “Hopefully soon, in a couple of days… we’ll try to evaluate what we are picking before we make the announcement,” he said, as quoted by Cricbuzz, indicating that the management is weighing its options.

The franchise had initially been reluctant to name a replacement even for Rana, citing a lack of suitable options of comparable quality. However, Akash Deep’s confirmed absence is likely to force their hand.

With multiple frontline pacers unavailable, KKR may now rely on Indian quicks such as Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi, while also considering using all-rounder Cameron Green as a bowling option.

KKR are scheduled to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29, but the mounting injury concerns have left their bowling attack significantly undermanned heading into the high-profile clash.