KKR and SRH name replacements for injured Akash Deep and Jack Edwards before IPL 2026

In what has come as a major development, two new players have been added to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 list. Both the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) have named replacements for their injured pacers. Akash Deep, who was ruled out due to a lumbar stress injury, has been replaced by left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey. Meanwhile, Australia’s Jack Edwards, who was ruled out due to an injury, has been replaced by England’s David Payne.

How will Saurabh Dubey help KKR?

KKR’s pace bowling stocks took a hit even before the season began. Harshit Rana is already ruled out of the tournament after he underwent a surgery for a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. He was seen at BCCI NAMAN awards in crutches. Then, Abhishek Nayar’s admission of Rana being out only confirmed what the franchise had feared. But instead of rushing into a decision, KKR are taking their time. They are yet to name a replacement for Rana.

Matheesha Pathirana is yet to gain a fitness NOC from Sri Lanka and will certainly miss a part of IPL 2026. All this and remember the fact that KKR had to let Mustafizur Rahman go. They have already brought in Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabi for Mustafizur.

Now, Akash Deep, an Indian international, who would’ve started for KKR, has been ruled out. Suarabh Pandey, who replaces Akash Deep gives KKR a left-arm pace angle, something that was missing in their squad.

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