Tackling resource crunch a big task for Kolkata Knight Riders

Even before beginning its IPL 2026 campaign, a formidable-looking Kolkata Knight Riders has run into bumps in the road due to injuries to some of its key pacers.

With Akash Deep ruled out, Harshit Rana’s participation doubtful and Sri Lankan Matheesha Pathirana — a high-value asset who commanded ₹18 crore in the mini-auction — recovering from a calf strain, Knight Riders’ pace department faces a resource crunch.

In such a scenario, all-rounder Cameron Green, the Kolkata outfit’s costliest acquisition, will play a vital role.

Zimbabwe’s Muzarabani, who replaced Mustafizur Rahman, can prove to be a Blessing because of the form he is in — the pacer scalped 13 wickets in the T20 World Cup.

The three-time champion’s Indian fast-bowling recruits, the dependable Vaibhav Arora and the promising Kartik Tyagi, need to chip in when needed.

Its proven spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy must live up to its reputation. KKR will hope that Varun, who lost a bit of his magic in the T20 World Cup, gets his mojo back.

Knight Riders would also like to see its batting unit make up lost ground. The presence of explosive openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen provides luxury at the top, but the question is whether the team can accommodate both the Kiwis along with captain Ajinkya Rahane in the top-three.

As the leader, Rahane, KKR’s top run-getter last season (390 with a strike rate of almost 148), got mixed reviews as the side struggled after its crowning glory and missed its 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer. But the former India Test skipper is up for the challenge.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Green, part of the middle-order, are expected to provide the impetus. Rinku Singh, whose role will be critical, and Ramandeep Singh are likely to wear the ‘finisher’ hats.

While Rahul Tripathi remains a good back-up, Narine needs to be given a slot where he can execute his pinch-hitting ability and annoy the opposition.

KKR will look to put up big scores at Eden Gardens to maximise its home advantage and give itself a better chance of making it to the playoffs despite the odds.

With fine cricketing brains operating its think-tank, Knight Riders should find a way out of the mini-crisis quickly as it may play most of its home matches prior to the impending state elections in late April.