KKR Hit by Injury Setbacks Ahead of IPL 2026, Akash Deep Ruled Out

New Delhi | March 21, 2026 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are facing major challenges ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, as injuries continue to affect their pace bowling unit. Indian pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the tournament, adding to the team’s concerns just days before the season begins. According to reports, Akash Deep did not join the team’s training camp, which has been underway in Kolkata since March 18. Earlier, another key pacer, Harshit Rana, was also ruled out after suffering an injury during a warm-up match ahead of the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Further adding to the uncertainty, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is expected to miss the initial matches of the season. Speaking on the situation, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said that Pathirana is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and is likely to regain match fitness by mid-April. In another development, Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been released from the squad following directives from the BCCI amid ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh, further impacting KKR’s bowling options. Despite these setbacks, KKR are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium. They will then face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2, followed by matches against Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens. KKR Hit by Injury Setbacks Ahead of IPL 2026, Akash Deep Ruled Out Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are facing major challenges ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season, as injuries continue to affect their pace bowling unit. Indian pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the tournament, adding to the team’s concerns just days before the season begins. According to reports, Akash Deep did not join the team’s training camp, which has been underway in Kolkata since March 18. Earlier, another key pacer, Harshit Rana, was also ruled out after suffering an injury during a warm-up match ahead of the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Further adding to the uncertainty, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is expected to miss the initial matches of the season. Speaking on the situation, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said that Pathirana is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and is likely to regain match fitness by mid-April. In another development, Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been released from the squad following directives from the BCCI amid ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh, further impacting KKR’s bowling options. Despite these setbacks, KKR are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium. They will then face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2, followed by matches against Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens.