Blow for KKR! Akash Deep RULED OUT of IPL 2026 due to….

In what has been the latest development, as per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The league is all set to begin on March 28 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the tournament opener.

The nature of Akash Deep’s injury is yet to be known, but his IPL has ended even before it started. The Bengal pacer was picked by Kolkata KKR in the IPL 2026 auction for INR 1 crore and was expected to make a strong comeback in the league. 

With Akash Deep getting ruled out, this adds more concern for KKR. Harshit Rana has been ruled out with a knee injury, while there is no certainty about Matheesha Pathirana. He is yet to receive NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket as he is yet to pass the fitness test.

Akash Deep ruled out of IPL 2026 with an injury 

A top official from KKR confirmed the development to Cricbuzz. "Unfortunately, he is out of the IPL, ruled out for the season," the KKR official told Cricbuzz.

Akash Deep played a decent role for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025; however, his performances and injury woes didn’t convince LSG as they released him. Thankfully, for him, he found a bidder in KKR. 

KKR will now be looking at the options to replace Akash Deep. There have been several players, whom the franchise has called up to attend trials. The likes of Navdeep Saini, Simarjeet Singh, and Akash Madhwal featured for the franchise in the trials.

KKR will open their campaign against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They would be looking to add a fourth title to their kitty under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane.