IPL 2026: 3 players KKR can sign to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are currently navigating a PR storm as they prepare for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with Mustafizur Rahman in their ranks. While the player’s talent is undeniable, his inclusion has triggered intense backlash directed at Shah Rukh Khan and the KKR management.

The bashing isn’t about talent or paperwork; it is fueled almost entirely by the severe political instability and civil unrest in Bangladesh. Many fans and public figures have labeled the signing as insensitive given the reports of violence and the targeting of minorities across the border. Critics argue that by investing a massive ₹9.20 crore in a Bangladesh star, the franchise is ignoring the prevailing national sentiment today. This political friction has led to boycott calls and heavy scrutiny, making Mustafizur’s presence a major point of contention for the 2026 campaign.

3 players KKR can sign to replace Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out

1. Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)

Fazalhaq Farooqi has emerged as a world-class alternative, carrying a much more manageable base price of ₹2 crore. The left-arm Afghan pacer was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup 2024, claiming a staggering 17 wickets. His ability to swing the ball at 140 km/h+ makes him a lethal powerplay weapon, often taking wickets in his very first over.

Statistically, Farooqi averages 19.09 in T20Is, a figure that proves his consistency against the world’s best batting lineups recently. He offers the same left-arm angle as Mustafizur but with more raw pace and a highly deceptive back-of-the-hand slower ball. His economy rate in the death overs has improved significantly under the mentorship of specialists like Dwayne Bravo in various leagues.

For KKR, Farooqi provides a controversy-free overseas slot, allowing the team to focus on on-field performance rather than political debates. He is a regular in the ILT20 and BBL, showing that his skills are transferable across different types of pitches and conditions. With over 150 T20 wickets in his career, he is no longer just a prospect but a proven match-winner for any franchise.

2. Spencer Johnson (Australia)

Spencer Johnson represents the gold standard of left-arm fast bowling and is currently valued at a base price of ₹2 crore. The Australian speedster is famous for his express pace, consistently hitting the 148 km/h mark to intimidate the opening batters.

Johnson’s height allows him to extract steep bounce from the surface, a luxury that the shorter Mustafizur simply cannot provide. In the Big Bash League (BBL), he has been a standout performer, helping his team to a title with his clinical death bowling. His T20 career strike rate is under 20, meaning he consistently provides the breakthroughs that KKR needs during the middle-over squeeze. Having already played for the Gujarat Titans and KKR, he is familiar with the Indian heat and the high-pressure environment of the IPL matches.

He is also a much better fielder in the deep than Mustafizur, often saving 5-10 runs per game with his elite athleticism. Johnson’s left-arm angle across is a tactical nightmare for right-handed openers like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli in the powerplay. He is the ideal candidate to lead the KKR pace attack, offering a blend of high velocity and tactical intelligence for the 2026 season.

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3. Jhye Richardson (Australia)

Jhye Richardson is a tactical masterclass target for KKR, likely available at a very competitive base price of ₹1.5 crore. Though a right-armer, his skiddy pace and 145 km/h velocity make him one of the most difficult bowlers to read in the death. Richardson was once a ₹14 crore signing, and his current lower base price makes him an absolute Moneyball steal for any side. He has a sensational T20 record, including a BBL season where he took 29 wickets, proving his ability to dominate an entire tournament.

Richardson possesses a whippy arm action that generates deceptive pace, often catching batters off guard on slower, turning Eden Gardens tracks. His availability is highly stable, and his focus is entirely on T20 cricket following his recent recovery from various minor injuries. By replacing a politically controversial figure with a high-profile Australian, KKR can effectively reset their public image before the season starts.

Richardson is also a handy lower-order batter, capable of hitting long sixes, which adds depth to the KKR batting lineup as well. His economy rate in the final overs has historically hovered around 8.50, which is excellent for someone bowling in the high-scoring IPL.

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