KKR's injury crisis further deepens as another star player ruled out of IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) injury woes further worsened ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as star pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the due to ongoing injury concerns, as reported by Cricbuzz. The Bengal fast bowler is currently stationed at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where he is undergoing an intensive injury management program. While KKR management and CoE medical staff are awaiting a final report before making an official announcement, sources indicate that his recovery is still far from complete.

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KKR's Akash Deep out of IPL 2026

This potential absence comes at a precarious time for the franchise, which is already struggling to manage a depleted bowling attack. Losing a local talent like Akash Deep further thins their options, forcing the coaching staff to reconsider their tactical approach for the upcoming matches. Despite his potential, durability remains his primary challenge; since his IPL debut in 2022, he has been restricted to just 14 appearances across four seasons, yielding 10 wickets with a high economy rate of 11.82.

Akash Deep’s recent professional journey has been a bit of a financial and competitive rollercoaster. After being acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering Rs 8 crore in the 2025 auction, he was released following a lukewarm season where he managed only three wickets in six games. KKR eventually secured his services for his base price of Rs 1 crore during the subsequent mini-auction

Akash Deep's roller coaster IPL career

Akash's career has been significantly hampered by a recurring cycle of injuries, which has frequently forced him to the sidelines. This lack of consistency has been a persistent issue regardless of whether he is representing Team India or his respective IPL franchises, making it difficult for him to maintain any competitive rhythm or secure a permanent spot in the starting eleven.

Since making his debut in 2022, he has managed to appear in only 14 matches across four seasons, accounting for a total of 10 wickets. This limited game time has made it challenging for teams to rely on him as a frontline bowling option over a full tournament schedule.

His recent stint with the Lucknow Super Giants serves as a prime example of this volatility. Despite the franchise making a massive investment of Rs 8 crore to secure his services during the 2025 auction, his injury woes and subsequent performance led to a short-lived tenure. Ultimately, the team opted to release him after just one season, leading to his eventual move to the Kolkata Knight Riders.