Kolkata Knight Riders head into IPL 2026 with a strong bowling unit, particularly in the death overs, where matches are often decided. With a mix of proven international specialists and reliable Indian pacers, KKR appear well-equipped to handle high-pressure finishing situations.
Matheesha Pathirana is KKR’s standout death-over bowler. Acquired for a significant fee at the IPL 2026 auction, the Sri Lankan pacer brings pace, accuracy and a slingy action that makes him difficult to line up. Known for his pinpoint yorkers and deceptive slower balls, Pathirana is expected to shoulder major responsibility in overs 16 to 20.
Mustafizur Rahman adds vast experience and variation to KKR’s death bowling. The left-arm pacer’s cutters and off-pace deliveries are particularly effective on slower surfaces, often forcing batters into mistimed shots late in the innings.
Harshit Rana has emerged as a dependable Indian option in pressure situations. With his ability to hit hard lengths and bowl with aggression, Rana offers KKR flexibility in deploying him during the closing overs when wickets are required.
Vaibhav Arora provides control and discipline as a supporting option. While primarily used earlier in the innings, Arora has shown the ability to bowl tight overs when entrusted with death-over duties.
Kartik Tyagi adds raw pace and attacking intent. His speed and ability to extract bounce give KKR another option to rotate bowlers during the final overs depending on match-ups and conditions.
With Pathirana leading the attack and strong support from Mustafizur Rahman and the Indian pace contingent, Kolkata Knight Riders enter IPL 2026 with a death-bowling unit capable of defending totals and closing out tight matches.
