Harshit Rana and Akashdeep are out of action for the entire season due to injuries, while Mathisha Pathirana will miss the first few matches, leaving Kolkata's pace department devastated.
This could be KKR's playing eleven.
Even before the start of IPL 2026, there will be a worrying atmosphere in the Kolkata Knight Riders camp, as fast bowlers are suffering injuries one after another. Harshit Rana and Akashdeep are out of action for the entire season due to injury, and Mathisha Pathirana will miss the first few matches, leaving Kolkata's fast bowling department in a shambles.
Three-time champions KKR still boast a squad with captain Ajinkya Rahane, veteran spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, as well as youthful energy in the form of Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Cameron Green, who cost the Kolkata Knight Riders ₹25.2 crore at auction, will also be a topic of discussion. Here's a look at what the Kolkata Knight Riders' playing XI could look like without their three key fast bowlers.
KKR's Best Playing XI
This time, all eyes will be on New Zealand's explosive batsman Finn Allen, who is coming off the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. He smashed it in 33 balls. Captain Ajinkya Rahane, who scored 390 runs in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of around 148, could open the innings alongside him. Young batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi has cemented his position at number 3 and has performed strongly in the past two seasons.
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green could come in at number 4 and bowl medium pace. In the absence of Harshit, Akashdeep, and Pathirana, Green will have to shoulder the bowling responsibility. Rinku Singh will have to play more of a solid middle-overs batting role than a finisher. Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh will also have additional responsibilities; they may have to bowl 2-3 overs per innings, just like Cameron Green.
Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy will be under immense pressure as they are the team's senior bowlers. This season could provide a breakthrough for Vaibhav Arora, who has taken 36 wickets in his IPL career, as he could emerge as the team's primary fast bowler. The same can be said for Kartik Tyagi, who may get a chance to play the entire season. If given the chance, he will have to capitalize on every opportunity.
KKR's probable playing XI: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi
