IPL 2026 Updates: KKR Signs Saurabh Dubey, SRH Welcomes David Payne
Synopsis
In an exciting development for IPL 2026, KKR brings in Saurabh Dubey to replace injured pacer Akash Deep, while SRH signs David Payne to step in for Jack Edwards. Discover the latest team changes and what these moves mean for the tournament!
Key Takeaways
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signs Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for Akash Deep.
Akash Deep ruled out due to lumbar stress injury .
David Payne replaces Jack Edwards in Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) .
Payne's experience includes 304 wickets in T20 cricket.
IPL 2026 kicks off on March 28 .
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), holders of three IPL titles, have acquired Saurabh Dubey, a left-arm fast bowler from Vidarbha, to fill in for the injured Indian pacer Akash Deep. Deep has been sidelined for IPL 2026 due to a lumbar stress injury.
Additionally, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have announced that England's David Payne will take the place of the injured Australian player, Jack Edwards.
Although Payne has only one ODI appearance for England, he boasts extensive experience in domestic cricket, having played 233 T20 matches and secured 304 wickets.
According to IPL’s announcement, “Akash Deep, a right-arm bowler with 10 Tests for India and 28 wickets, will not participate in the season due to a lumbar stress injury. He will receive treatment from the BCCI Medical Team at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. Saurabh will join KKR for a fee of INR 30 Lakh.”
“Meanwhile, Payne will replace Jack Edwards at SRH, joining the squad for Rs 1.5 Crore. He has played one ODI and has accumulated 304 wickets in 233 T20 matches,” the statement added.
Dubey was previously signed by SRH for IPL 2022, but his stint was interrupted by a back injury, and he has yet to make his IPL debut. He went unsold in last year's mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi.
Since Dubey registered for the auction, he was included in the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP), enabling any franchise to choose him as a substitute for injured players.
With experience in eight List A matches and three T20 games for Vidarbha, Dubey was also part of the India A team during the 2019 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, where he was coached by Sitanshu Kotak. His performance was overseen by former Indian pacer Subroto Banerjee, who was a national selector until last year.
The tournament kicks off on March 28, with SRH facing the defending champions RCB, while KKR will take on the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.
Point of View
Ensuring teams remain strong contenders despite setbacks.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing Akash Deep in KKR?
Saurabh Dubey is replacing Akash Deep, who is out due to a lumbar stress injury.
What injury has Jack Edwards sustained?
Jack Edwards is injured, prompting SRH to sign David Payne as his replacement.
How many wickets has David Payne taken in T20 matches?
David Payne has taken 304 wickets in 233 T20 matches.
What is the fee for Saurabh Dubey's signing?
Saurabh Dubey has joined KKR for INR 30 Lakh.
When does the IPL 2026 season begin?
The IPL 2026 season begins on March 28.
