Analysis | IPL 2026: Who are Kolkata Knight Riders’ options to replace Mustafizur Rahman?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman due to political tensions, creating a gap ahead of IPL 2026. Here are the potential options to replace him in the squad.

After KKR had to release Mustafizur Rahman, they will have to find a suitable option to replace him.

Koushik Biswas

Last Updated: 03.51 PM, Jan 03, 2026

After BCCI’s instruction, KKR had to release Bangladeshi medium pacer Mustafizur Rahman due to political tensions between the two countries. Losing a high-caliber asset like Mustafizur Rahman just before the season is a massive tactical blow for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Following directives regarding his availability, KKR must now scour the replacement market to fill a "Fizz-shaped" hole in their bowling attack. Here is a deep dive into the potential candidates who could wear the Purple and Gold for IPL 2026.

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The Fizz vacuum: Can KKR find a left-arm specialist?

Mustafizur wasn’t just a pacer; he was a tactical weapon. His ability to take the ball away from right-handers and his legendary "off-cutters" made him a nightmare on tacky surfaces. Since KKR currently lacks a specialist left-arm seamer, the management will likely prioritize a "like-for-like" replacement.

The frontrunners: Left-Arm Options

Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi can be the right choice for KKR to replace Mustafizur Rahman.

Fazalhaq Farooqi: The Afghan international is perhaps the most logical choice. Farooqi has evolved into a world-class T20 operator. Like Mustafizur, he is a master of the powerplay and has developed a stinging yorker for the death overs. His familiarity with Asian conditions makes him the #1 target.

Spencer Johnson: If KKR wants to trade "finesse" for "fire," Spencer Johnson is the man. The Australian quick offers high-end pace (clocking 150 kmph) and an uncomfortable bounce. While he doesn't have Fizz's slower balls, his left-arm angle creates a natural variation that KKR desperately needs.

Jason Behrendorff: A veteran of the circuit, Behrendorff is a power-play specialist. If KKR wants someone to swing the ball at Eden Gardens under lights, "The Dorff" is a safe, experienced pair of hands, though he lacks the death-overs utility that Mustafizur provided.

Daniel Sams: An outside bet, Sams brings all-round utility. While his bowling can be expensive, his ability to clear the ropes with the bat might tempt a KKR side that loves deep batting lineups.

The "Pace Battery" pivot: Right-arm options

If KKR decides that the "left-arm angle" isn't mandatory, they have access to some elite right-arm speedsters who surprisingly went unsold or are available as injury replacements.

Alzarri Joseph of West Indies has the best bowling figure by any cricketer on IPL debut.

Gerald Coetzee & Alzarri Joseph: Both are "enforcer" types. Coetzee, in particular, brings an aggressive X-factor and a high wicket-taking instinct. Adding him alongside Harshit Rana could give KKR the most intimidating pace battery in the league.

Naveen-ul-Haq: If the goal is to replicate Mustafizur’s style (deceptive, slower balls and clever variations) rather than his arm, Naveen is the perfect fit. He is a T20 specialist who thrives under pressure in the final five overs.

Shamar Joseph: The Caribbean sensation is the "wildcard." He has the heart of a lion and a raw pace that can rattle any top order. After his heroics in Test cricket, IPL 2026 could be his breakout white-ball platform.

The English contingent

Options like Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood offer traditional hit-the-deck skills. Atkinson, with his extra yard of pace, is a rising star in England’s ranks and could be a long-term investment for the franchise.

The strategy forward

The KKR management, led by the tactical brilliance of Abhishek Nayar, usually prefers bowlers who can extract something from the surface. While Saurabh Netravalkar or Duan Jansen might have been interesting left-arm picks, their absence from the initial auction pool makes them unlikely unless specific registration rules allow.

What would I prefer: KKR's first call should be to Fazalhaq Farooqi. He offers the best balance of swing, cutters, and death-bowling reliability. If they want pure intimidation, Spencer Johnson is the wildcard that could turn their season around.

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