IPL 2026 Countdown: Tackling resource crunch a big task for Kolkata Knight Riders

Tackling resource crunch a big task for Kolkata Knight Riders

Even before beginning its IPL 2026 campaign, a formidable-looking Kolkata Knight Riders has run into bumps in the road due to injuries to some of its key pacers.

With Akash Deep ruled out, Harshit Rana’s participation doubtful and Sri Lankan Matheesha Pathirana — a high-value asset who commanded ₹18 crore in the mini-auction — recovering from a calf strain, Knight Riders’ pace department faces a resource crunch.

In such a scenario, all-rounder Cameron Green, the Kolkata outfit’s costliest acquisition, will play a vital role.

Zimbabwe’s Muzarabani, who replaced Mustafizur Rahman, can prove to be a Blessing because of the form he is in — the pacer scalped 13 wickets in the T20 World Cup.

The three-time champion’s Indian fast-bowling recruits, the dependable Vaibhav Arora and the promising Kartik Tyagi, need to chip in when needed.

Its proven spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy must live up to its reputation. KKR will hope that Varun, who lost a bit of his magic in the T20 World Cup, gets his mojo back.