IPL 2026: KKR Signs Saurabh Dubey to Replace Injured Akash Deep
Synopsis
Kolkata Knight Riders have announced the signing of Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for the injured Akash Deep. This move comes as KKR prepares for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, facing challenges with player injuries.
Key Takeaways
Saurabh Dubey joins KKR as a replacement for Akash Deep .
Deep is sidelined due to a stress reaction in his back.
Dubey has previously been a net bowler for KKR.
KKR is still looking for a replacement for Harshit Rana .
KKR's season opener is against Mumbai Indians on March 29.
Kolkata, March 22 (NationPress) The three-time champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), have officially brought on board Saurabh Dubey, a tall left-arm pacer from Vidarbha, to replace the injured Indian bowler Akash Deep. Deep has been ruled out of the tournament due to a stress reaction in his lower back.
Previously signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2022, Dubey's time with them was cut short because of a back injury. A franchise official confirmed to IANS, “Saurabh Dubey has now been signed by KKR as a stand-in for Akash Deep. Although he was a net bowler for KKR and practiced with the team at Eden Gardens and their camp in Mumbai, he is now part of the main squad.”
At 28 years old, Dubey is yet to make his IPL debut. He went unsold at the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi last year, but since he registered for the auction, he became part of the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP), allowing any of the ten franchises to select replacements for their injured players.
Dubey has participated in eight List A matches and three T20s for Vidarbha. He was also a member of the India A squad during the 2019 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, where Sitanshu Kotak served as the head coach. Additionally, former Indian pacer Subroto Banerjee had been monitoring Dubey's progress before his tenure as a national selector ended last year.
Moreover, KKR is still deliberating on a replacement for their seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana, who is out for the season following surgery for a meniscus tear in his right knee in February. Since last Wednesday, KKR has been conducting trials to find suitable replacements for both Rana and Akash Deep.
Under the leadership of veteran Indian opener Ajinkya Rahane, KKR will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 29. Their first home match is scheduled against SRH at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 2, followed by home games against Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants on April 6 and 9, respectively.
Point of View
KKR's management is making necessary adjustments to ensure a competitive edge, emphasizing the importance of depth in the squad.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who replaced Akash Deep in KKR?
Saurabh Dubey has been signed by KKR to replace the injured Akash Deep.
Why is Akash Deep out of the IPL 2026?
Akash Deep is out due to a stress reaction in his lower back.
What previous team did Saurabh Dubey play for?
Saurabh Dubey was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2022 but did not play due to injury.
What are KKR's first matches in IPL 2026?
KKR's first match is against Mumbai Indians on March 29, followed by a home game against SRH on April 2.
Is Saurabh Dubey making his IPL debut?
Yes, Saurabh Dubey is yet to make his IPL debut.
