Akash Deep's injury turns into major headache for KKR and Abhishek Nayar
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KKR suffer another major blow in their bowling department as the Bengal pacer has been ruled out of the race for IPL 2026. The pacer stars for Bengal in the domestic structure of Indian cricket and has represented India internationally.
The IPL has been transformed into the Injured Players League for the Kolkata Knight Riders, as even before the start of their campaign, they have been trashed. Akash Deep has formerly played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (then Royal Challengers Bangalore) and the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
KKR suffer another injury blow ahead of IPL 2026
The Kolkata Knight Riders campaign already faced a massive blow after Harshit Rana was ruled out of IPL 2026. The Indian pacer struggled with an injury ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup; hence, the player was also ruled out of the World Cup squad.
His recovery has been delayed, and hence he has been ruled out. Another player whose participation is also uncertain includes the Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who was picked for a whopping INR 18 crores. Even if he were to be cleared to play, that would be nowhere before mid-April.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 21, 2026
KKR suffer another injury blow as Akash Deep is ruled out of #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/ZTgFGl73mr
Now, Cricbuzz reported that Indian pacer Akash Deep, who was bought at his base price in the mini-auction, is also ruled out from IPL 2026 following an injury. Akash Deep was supposed to be Rana's replacement in the KKR camp.
Akash Deep is currently undergoing rehab at CoE
Akash Deep was picked at his base price of INR 1 crore; however, the Bengal pacer has now been ruled out of the IPL as one of the top officials in the KKR camp confirmed that development. "Unfortunately, he is out of the IPL, ruled out for the season," the KKR official said.
Akash Deep has not reported to the Kolkata Knight Riders camp, which is being held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, since the 18th of March. The reason for this is that he is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, although the exact nature of his injury remains unclear.
It has been revealed that the managers at the CoE have constantly been in touch with the franchise. Akash Deep has featured in 14 IPL matches and has claimed 10 scalps. However, his price dipped significantly after he was bought for INR 8 crores in 2025 by LSG.
KKR's IPL schedule for 2026
The Champions from 2024 will kickstart their campaign in the IPL in 2026, with their first match scheduled to be played against the Mumbai Indians. They will kickstart their campaign at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
The three-time champions would then go on to play in their second game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on the 2nd of April at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They will then go on to host the runners-up from the last season, the Punjab Kings, on the 6th of April.
KKR will also host their fourth match of the season against Lucknow Super Giants on the 9th of April. The remainder of the schedule would be announced later, keeping the elections in mind.
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