Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been dealt a blow with the news that Indian seamer Akash Deep will miss the upcoming 2026 season due to a lower back injury. Akash Deep, who was acquired by KKR for Rs 1 crore in the previous auction, is set to undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru.
The fast-bowler did not participate in KKR’s pre-season camp or the intra-squad practice game, indicating his unavailability for the season. Akash Deep is believed to have sustained a stress reaction in his lower back during a Ranji Trophy match for Bengal, with a recovery period of 6-12 weeks expected.
KKR’s bowling resources have been further strained with injuries to key players like Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana. The team is now looking at potential replacements, including Navdeep Saini, Akash Madhwal, and others, to bolster their fast-bowling options ahead of their IPL opener against Mumbai Indians on March 29.
