Kolkata Knight Riders have picked up Indian fast bowler Akash Deep for Rs 1 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, securing him at a modest price as they continued to strengthen their Indian pace resources.
Akash Deep entered the auction after being released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he had featured across multiple seasons. Despite limited opportunities at the IPL level, the right-arm pacer has remained in contention due to his consistent domestic performances and ability to bowl disciplined spells with the new ball.
Akash Deep’s IPL journey so far
Akash Deep has played eight IPL matches, picking up seven wickets. While his numbers may not fully reflect his potential, he has often impressed with his control, seam movement, and ability to hit hard lengths, particularly in powerplay overs.
Why KKR moved for him
KKR’s decision to sign Akash Deep for Rs 1 crore appears to be a depth-driven move, aimed at bolstering their Indian fast-bowling options. With injuries and workload management becoming crucial over a long season, Akash Deep offers a reliable backup who can step in when required.
A fresh opportunity
For Akash Deep, the move to KKR represents a chance to reset his IPL career and compete for a role in a revamped bowling unit. Under a new setup and with a clearly defined role, he will be looking to make a stronger impact in the IPL 2026 season after a quiet spell in recent editions
