Kolkata Knight Riders need a new overseas pacer after the BCCI’s recent directive. The franchise lost its key Bangladeshi bowler due to political tensions escalating quickly. Now they’re scrambling to find someone who can fill that crucial role.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the franchise can request a replacement player. The potential replacements for Mustafizur Rahman must bring similar skills to the attack. KKR has limited time to find the right bowler before IPL 2026 starts.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fazalhaq Farooqi looks like the most natural fit among available options honestly. The Afghan left-armer played for SRH before and knows Indian conditions pretty well. His bowling style resembles Mustafizur’s cutters and variations at the death.
Farooqi’s only grabbed 6 wickets in 12 IPL matches so far admittedly. But his T20I record for Afghanistan tells a different story altogether. He’s taken 63 wickets in 51 matches with an economy under 7 runs.
That economy rate of 6.94 is absolutely brilliant in modern T20 cricket. KKR needs someone who can control the run flow during pressure situations. The 25-year-old brings exactly that skill set the team desperately requires.
- William O’Rourke
William O’Rourke represents a gamble but potentially a rewarding one for KKR. The New Zealand pacer has shown quality against India in Test cricket. His performances on Indian pitches caught everyone’s attention during that recent tour.
O’Rourke hasn’t sold in IPL 2026 or any previous season yet though. KKR would be taking a chance on his ability to adapt quickly. His raw pace and bounce could trouble batsmen on faster wickets available.
The Kiwi’s Test success in India proves he handles pressure situations well. Shorter formats might actually suit his aggressive bowling style even better potentially.
- Alzarri Joseph
Alzarri Joseph brings IPL experience that others lack in this replacement pool. He’s played for the Mumbai Indians and RCB across 22 matches total. His best figures of 6/12 came during his MI days years ago.
The West Indian’s recent form hasn’t been great, which is concerning honestly. But KKR might need him as backup to Matheesha Pathirana’s pace attack. Joseph’s 21 IPL wickets show he can perform when conditions suit him.
His raw pace adds another dimension to KKR’s bowling options available always.
