With Harshit Rana out of IPL 2026, KKR might just have a big problem coming their way. Their team as it is, didn’t look the strongest on paper, and now, bowling could be a major concern for them, heading into the tournament. Of course, no one can predict how the team will fare eventually, but before the commencement, they don’t look well-placed.
KKR’s bowling problem for IPL 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders spent a huge chunk of their money on Cameron Green, the all-rounder from Australia — 25.20 Crore. Then they spent another 18 Crore for Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana. Just to give a perspective into this issue, Green bowled a total of 19 deliveries in the entire T20 World Cup, while Pathirana has been injured for a long time. One doesn’t know, if he would be able to play at all or not.
Not to forget, they had gotten hold of Mustafizur Rahman as well, but was later withdrawn, due to political tensions.
The retained bowlers
There is Sunil Narine who, in a way would be leader of the pack, but pace resources still look bleak. Andre Russell has taken retirement from IPL cricket, and the team has the likes of Vaibhav Arora, Akash Deep and Umran Malik. The latter has only played 1 IPL match in the last two seasons, and that tells you the story, of his struggles with injury.
He is fit for now, but is injury prone as well. So, it remains to be seen, as to how far can he take the team. Or else, the team might have to come up with replacement/s as well.
KKR bowling line-up for IPL 2026
So, out of the resources left, it won’t be very tough for KKR, to really forge their bowling unit. Narine, along with Varun Chakravarthy will be the main spinners. Akash Deep, Umran and Vaibhav will have the fast-bowling responsibility, while Kartik Tyagi could be an option for a sixth bowler. Cam Green, at best could be used for a couple of overs in the middle phases.
Recently, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani was roped in, and he could be their eventual spearhead.
Predicted KKR bowling line-up for IPL 2026: Blessing Muzarabani, Akash Deep, Umran Malik, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Cameron Green (All-rounder).
