KKR sign Saurabh Dubey to replace injured Akash Deep:Three-time champions yet to name replacement for Harshit Rana

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for the injured Akash Deep for IPL 2026. Earlier, it was reported that the Indian pacer, who was signed for Rs 1 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, has been ruled out of the season. KKR have been hit with a string of injuries this season. Harshit Rana, a key member of the Knight Riders outfit, won’t be taking part in this season as he is yet to gain full fitness after knee surgery. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who was signed by KKR for Rs 18 crore at the IPL auction, won’t be available for a few matches as well. Saurabh Dubey picked as Akash Deep’s replacement by KKR Dubey, 28, is a left-arm pacer who made his T20 debut for Vidarbha in 2023. So far, he has played three matches in the shortest format and is yet to pick up a wicket. A KKR official confirmed this to Cricbuzz, with an official announcement awaited. Dubey was part of Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022 but has not made his IPL debut yet. The pacer, who had a base price of Rs 30 lakh, had gone unsold at the IPL 2026 auction last year and KKR picked up from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP). KKR yet to replace Harshit Rana The Knight Riders however, have not announced any replacement for Harshit Rana. Rana, originally named in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, had to be ruled out of the tournament after suffering a knee injury during a warm-up match. He has been out of action since. Rana was expected to be a key figure in KKR’s bowling attack this season. Ever since making his IPL debut in 2022, the right-arm pacer has featured in 34 IPL matches so far, where he has picked up 40 wickets with his best figures being 3/24. Also read: Virat Kohli laughs off report of ‘demanding’ India-London chartered flight: RCB star dismisses fake news with Insta story KKR start IPL 2026 campaign vs Mumbai Indians KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on 29 March. The 2024 champions will then return home to host Sunrisers Hyderabad on 2 April. KKR will next take on Punjab Kings at home on 6 April and play their fourth match of the season against Lucknow, once again at the Eden Gardens on 9 April.