The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are at present navigating a PR storm as they put together for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with Mustafizur Rahman of their ranks. Whereas the participant’s expertise is plain, his inclusion has triggered intense backlash directed at Shah Rukh Khan and the KKR administration.
The bashing isn’t about expertise or paperwork; it’s fueled nearly fully by the extreme political instability and civil unrest in Bangladesh. Many followers and public figures have labeled the signing as insensitive given the studies of violence and the concentrating on of minorities throughout the border. Critics argue that by investing a large ₹9.20 crore in a Bangladesh star, the franchise is ignoring the prevailing nationwide sentiment right this moment. This political friction has led to boycott calls and heavy scrutiny, making Mustafizur’s presence a significant level of competition for the 2026 marketing campaign.
3 gamers KKR can signal to exchange Mustafizur Rahman if he misses out
1. Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)
Fazalhaq Farooqi has emerged as a world-class different, carrying a way more manageable base value of ₹2 crore. The left-arm Afghan pacer was the joint-highest wicket-taker within the T20 World Cup 2024, claiming a staggering 17 wickets. His capability to swing the ball at 140 km/h+ makes him a deadly powerplay weapon, usually taking wickets in his very first over.
Statistically, Farooqi averages 19.09 in T20Is, a determine that proves his consistency towards the world’s greatest batting lineups lately. He gives the identical left-arm angle as Mustafizur however with extra uncooked tempo and a extremely misleading back-of-the-hand slower ball. His financial system price within the loss of life overs has improved considerably underneath the mentorship of specialists like Dwayne Bravo in varied leagues.
For KKR, Farooqi supplies a controversy-free abroad slot, permitting the crew to concentrate on on-field efficiency somewhat than political debates. He’s a daily within the ILT20 and BBL, displaying that his abilities are transferable throughout various kinds of pitches and situations. With over 150 T20 wickets in his profession, he’s not only a prospect however a confirmed match-winner for any franchise.
2. Spencer Johnson (Australia)
Spencer Johnson represents the gold customary of left-arm quick bowling and is at present valued at a base value of ₹2 crore. The Australian speedster is known for his categorical tempo, constantly hitting the 148 km/h mark to intimidate the opening batters.
Johnson’s peak permits him to extract steep bounce from the floor, a luxurious that the shorter Mustafizur merely can not present. Within the Huge Bash League (BBL), he has been a standout performer, serving to his crew to a title along with his scientific loss of life bowling. His T20 profession strike price is underneath 20, that means he constantly supplies the breakthroughs that KKR wants throughout the middle-over squeeze. Having already performed for the Gujarat Titans and KKR, he’s conversant in the Indian warmth and the high-pressure surroundings of the IPL matches.
He’s additionally a significantly better fielder within the deep than Mustafizur, usually saving 5-10 runs per sport along with his elite athleticism. Johnson’s left-arm angle throughout is a tactical nightmare for right-handed openers like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli within the powerplay. He’s the best candidate to steer the KKR tempo assault, providing a mix of excessive velocity and tactical intelligence for the 2026 season.
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3. Jhye Richardson (Australia)
Jhye Richardson is a tactical masterclass goal for KKR, doubtless obtainable at a really aggressive base value of ₹1.5 crore. Although a right-armer, his skiddy tempo and 145 km/h velocity make him one of the crucial tough bowlers to learn within the loss of life. Richardson was as soon as a ₹14 crore signing, and his present decrease base value makes him an absolute Moneyball steal for any facet. He has a sensational T20 report, together with a BBL season the place he took 29 wickets, proving his capability to dominate a complete event.
Richardson possesses a whippy arm motion that generates misleading tempo, usually catching batters off guard on slower, turning Eden Gardens tracks. His availability is extremely secure, and his focus is fully on T20 cricket following his current restoration from varied minor accidents. By changing a politically controversial determine with a high-profile Australian, KKR can successfully reset their public picture earlier than the season begins.
Richardson can also be a helpful lower-order batter, able to hitting lengthy sixes, which provides depth to the KKR batting lineup as nicely. His financial system price within the ultimate overs has traditionally hovered round 8.50, which is great for somebody bowling within the high-scoring IPL.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026: 3 players SRH can sign to replace Pat Cummins if he misses out
