In order to replace the Bangladeshi veteran, former India and KKR batter Aakash Chopra selected seven overseas seam-bowling alternatives and one spin-bowling option for KKR to take into consideration.
At the IPL 2026 mini-auction last month, Mustafizur Rahman was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for an incredible INR 9.20 crore. But in light of the growing political tension between Bangladesh and India, the franchise released him last week.
Chopra named Nathan Smith of New Zealand, Gerald Coetzee of South Africa, Sean Abbott and Riley Meredith of Australia, Richard Gleeson and Gus Atkinson of England, and Alzarri Joseph of the West Indies as the fast-bowling alternatives in a video posted on ‘X’. The former cricket player turned analyst also recommended the name of Michael Bracewell, an all-round spin bowler from New Zealand, who may step in if Sunil Narine is sidelined for a few games owing to injury.
KKR, the three-time champions, had a challenging season the previous year. Under the direction of Ajinkya Rahane, they placed seventh in the points standings. The KKR management decided to restructure their team following the disaster. They even promoted Andre Russell, their talismanic all-round player, to Power Coach.
With the largest budget, KKR entered the mini-auction and lavished it on players like Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana, who secured incredible agreements of INR 25.20 crore and INR 18 crore, respectively.
The Knights substituted Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, two Kiwi wicketkeepers, for Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The Kolkata-based team won the auction of promising Indian prospects Rahul Tripathi, Akash Deep, Kartik Tyagi, and Tejasvi Dahiya. On paper, the team appears to be in much better shape than it was the previous season.
The coaching staff has also seen some notable changes. Abhishek Nayar has taken Chandrakant Pandit’s place as head coach, while Dwayne Bravo remains the mentor. Tim Southee has joined as the new bowling coach, and Shane Watson has been hired as the assistant coach.
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