IPL 2026: KKR Sign Vidarbha Seamer Saurabh Dubey as Replacement For Akash Deep. Kolkata Knight Riders signed Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for injured pacer Akash Deep. The move comes ahead of IPL 2026, where KKR face several bowling concerns. Akash Deep has been ruled out for 8 to 12 weeks with a recurring lower-back stress injury. He was bought for Rs 1 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. His absence weakens KKR’s Indian pace options significantly.
The injury adds to KKR’s growing problems in the fast bowling department. Young pacer Harshit Rana is already sidelined after knee surgery. He suffered the injury during a T20 World Cup warm-up match. KKR needed a quick replacement to maintain balance in their squad. They turned to Vidarbha’s left-arm seamer Saurabh Dubey for the role.
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Dubey Earns Chance After Impressive Practice Performances
The 28-year-old Dubey was part of KKR’s training setup earlier. He impressed the coaching staff during nets and intra-squad matches. Dubey bowled a tight spell in a practice game against top batters. He returned figures of 3 overs, 26 runs, and zero wickets. He bowled to Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Dubey is a left-arm medium-fast bowler from Vidarbha. He is known for swing, control, and a steady run-up.
Dubey’s Domestic Stats and Experience
Dubey has played domestic cricket for Vidarbha and the India Emerging teams. He made his List A debut in 2019 during the Emerging Teams Asia Cup. He was the leading wicket-taker for Vidarbha in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021–22. In local and domestic matches, he has taken over 50 wickets in around 60 games. Dubey has also been part of IPL squad but never played a match. He was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022.
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Big Opportunity for an Uncapped Player
Dubey went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction earlier this year. His base price was Rs 30 lakh, but no franchise picked him. This replacement deal now gives him a big chance to prove himself. He is yet to make his IPL debut. KKR will hope Dubey adapts quickly to the pressure of the league. Their bowling attack looks thin due to multiple injuries. All eyes will be on Dubey when IPL 2026 begins. His performance could play a key role in KKR’s campaign.