Aakash Chopra picks former RCB all-rounder as KKR's replacement option for Mustafizur Rahman

Published - 07 Jan 2026, 10:15 IST | Updated - 07 Jan 2026, 10:15 IST

Mustafizur Rahman was roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the IPL 2026 mini-auction last month for a staggering INR 9.20 crore. However, he was released by the franchise last week amid the escalating political tension between India and Bangladesh.

Former India and KKR batter Aakash Chopra picked seven overseas seam-bowling options alongside one spin-bowling option that KKR could consider while replacing the Bangladeshi veteran.

In a video uploaded on 'X', Chopra listed New Zealand's Nathan Smith, South Africa's Gerald Coetzee, Australian duo of Sean Abbott and Riley Meredith, England's Richard Gleeson and Gus Atkinson, and the West Indies' Alzarri Joseph as the fast-bowling options. The cricketer-turned-expert also suggested New Zealand spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell's name, adding that he could chip in should Sunil Narine miss a few matches due to an injury.

Three-time champions KKR had a difficult season last year. They finished eighth on the points table under Ajinkya Rahane's leadership. After the debacle, the KKR management went for an overhaul of their squad. They even released their talismanic all-rounder Andre Russell and making him the Power Coach.

KKR went into the mini-auction with the biggest purse and they spent wholeheartedly on players like Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana, who bagged mind-boggling deals of INR 25.20 crore and INR 18 crore, respectively.

In the wicketkeeping department, the Knights replaced Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz with the Kiwi duo Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. Rahul Tripathi, Akash Deep, Kartik Tyagi, and Tejasvi Dahiya are exciting Indian prospects acquired by the Kolkata-based franchise at the auction. The team is looking much better, at least on paper, compared to last season.

Bangladesh bans IPL broadcast over Mustafizur's KKR snub

They have also made some significant changes in the coaching staff. While Dwayne Bravo continues as the mentor, Abhishek Nayar has replaced Chandrakant Pandit as the head coach. Shane Watson has been signed as the assistant coach, while Tim Southee has come on board as the new bowling coach.