New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling attack for IPL 2026 is short on fear fator as it consists of familiar faces, believes former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
The three-time champions have veteran spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy as spin spearheads but their pace attack without be without the injured Harshi Rana and the Mustafizur Rahman, whose contract was terminated at the insistence of BCCI.
These unforeseen changes have weakened the bowling unit of the three-time champions since the auction, Ashwin said, adding that it would take a lot of effort to contain strong batting line-ups on smaller grounds.
“I don’t think oppositions will be worried after looking at KKR’s bowling attack. I think the mystery factory, the novelty factor, and the fear, that particular facet, would have gone. Earlier, batters used to go to the analyst’s room, watch the bowler’s hand, or just look to take a single,” Ashwin told on his YouTube channel.
“Varun is at a stage in his career where he has to find answers. But, it is natural for every cricketer’s progress and his career. I think the novelty factor is out,” he said.
“Sunil Narine also cannot bowl the faster ball anymore, because of his action. Eden Gardens is a small ground, so now it becomes easy for the opposition to say, ‘Hey, you know what, here is a team that is not going to make me scared, so let us go after them’,” he added.
KKR have brought in Blessing Muzarabani to fill the gap of Mustafizur, while fellow pacer Matheesha Pathirana is nursing an injury while Akash Deep has been ruled out for the entire tournament.
“After the auction, I had said that KKR’s bowling attack is solid. But now, Mustafizur Rahman is not there. (Matheesha) Pathirana’s injury is there, Harshit Rana has been ruled out,” Ashwin said.
“KKR have the blessing of Blessing Muzarabani. He has worked hard and I am excited to see them, but with all the injuries plaguing them, somebody has to do the heavy lifting. I can’t see anyone who can do that.”
Green conundrum
Questions mark also hover around the availability of Cameron Green as a bowler, since the all-rounder’s workload is up for scrutiny.
“There is a question about Cameron Green. Will Cricket Australia allow him to bowl all four overs? That is also a possibility. In this scenario, the Australian board is saying to Green that he can play in the IPL, but Test cricket is very important for us, so you can play only this much of workload,” Ashwin said.
“IPL teams also should have an opportunity where if he bowls only two overs, then they should deduct (Rs) 2 crores. Why not? If he (a player) is not able to deliver his four overs, then you should have the right to cut their money, right?” “When you came into the IPL auction, the expectation was that you will bowl all four overs, and also bat. If there is no restriction on bowling, then great, but if there is restriction the team should be allowed to cut from the contract money.
“Imagine if you are Shah Rukh Khan, and you have paid (Rs) 25 crores for a player. But then he comes and says that, ‘Sir, I will bowl only one over today, or bowl only 10 balls a day’. How will you feel?,” Ashwin added.