KKR just lost a ₹9.2 crore asset—and no, they can’t just hit “add to cart” on any overseas pacer.
Mustafizur Rahman is out—not due to injury, but because of a BCCI-mandated release related to external obligations. That means KKR gets a full purse refund of ₹9.2 crore. Sounds good, right? But here’s the catch: they can’t go shopping outside the auction list. IPL rules allow only a like-for-like replacement from the pool of players who went unsold in the 2026 auction. No fresh signings. No wildcard hacks. Just pure strategy.
So, who can realistically replace a left-arm specialist like the ‘Fizz’? Let’s look at the top three contenders left in the mix:
1. Jason Behrendorff
Unsold at a base price of ₹1.5 crore, Behrendorff is the most like-for-like option. Left-arm swing, new ball threat, and serious powerplay potential. He has 19 IPL wickets in two seasons with Mumbai Indians and boasts 144 wickets in the BBL at an economy of just over 7. Plus, remember his 4/21 spell against India in 2017? That wasn’t a fluke. He’s a proper weapon.
2. Sean Abbott
Abbott may have gone unsold at ₹2 crore, but that doesn't reflect his form. With 181 BBL wickets in 127 games, he’s the all-time leading wicket-taker in the tournament. He brings raw pace, bounce, and energy—something Eden Gardens absolutely thrives on. If KKR want versatility and experience, Abbott is a solid pick.
3. Richard Gleeson
Gleeson is gaining traction fast. In the current SA20 season, he’s grabbed 8 wickets in just 3 games, including a Super Over masterclass where he conceded only 5 runs. He’s a proven death-overs asset—and here’s the inside edge: KKR’s bowling mentor Dwayne Bravo has already worked with him at CSK and Joburg Super Kings. Chemistry? Check. Skill? Check.
The Bottom Line?
KKR can't gamble, but they can be smart. Each of these players brings a different strength to the table—Behrendorff for swing, Abbott for pace, Gleeson for death overs. The question is: what type of firepower do KKR need most in their post-Fizz bowling unit?
Because now, every decision counts.
