IPL 2026: Zaheer Khan fan Saurabh Dubey turns KKR replacement gamble pay off

NEW DELHI: When pacer Saurabh Dubey was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders as an injury replacement for Akash Deep, it raised several eyebrows. Why Dubey? Why a net bowler over a senior domestic pacer? And why him ahead of experienced names like Navdeep Saini, KM Asif, Simarjeet Singh, Akash Madhwal and Sandeep Warrier, who were also in contention? KKR had in fact held trials to identify a replacement for Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, with several of these bowlers participating.


Adding to the scepticism was Dubey’s long absence from competitive cricket. He had not played for nearly two-and-a-half years, with his last appearance for Vidarbha coming in October 2023 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he went wicketless in three matches. In his final outing, he conceded 63 runs in four overs against Bengal without taking a wicket.


But KKR saw something different.








It is understood that Dubey had been training extensively in the KKR nets, bowling at full intensity under the supervision of the coaching staff. His performances against senior batters in practice sessions earned him an extended look, and he eventually edged out more experienced contenders during the trials.


Through all the uncertainty and noise, Dubey remained composed - carrying drinks, ferrying bats, passing on messages from the coaching staff, and quietly waiting for his opportunity.


And when it arrived, he made it count.


Dubey made his IPL debut for KKR against RCB, bowling 2.1 overs for 21 runs at an economy of 9.69. He went wicketless in a match KKR lost by six wickets.


He was given another chance against Gujarat Titans and responded with greater impact, picking up Jos Buttler’s wicket at a crucial stage. He finished with figures of 2.4-0-23-1 in KKR’s 29-run victory.


In the must-win clash against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, the left-arm pacer from Vidarbha produced a standout performance. He troubled Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton with a mix of yorkers and hard lengths, conceding just four runs in his opening over. In his next over, he removed Rohit for 15 before cleaning up Suryakumar Yadav with a sharp delivery that crashed into the stumps.


Dubey had earlier spoken to TimesofIndia.com after being picked as a replacement, reflecting on the pressure of stepping onto the big stage:


“Pressure to hoga. Pakka hoga [Pressure will be there for sure]. It is a big stage, so there will be pressure. Most probably, I will give my best. At this level, handling pressure is something you should know. Playing for KKR is a big thing. With the kind of support there is, whatever pressure comes, I would want to handle it and deliver,” Dubey had said.


He also recalled how head coach Abhishek Nayar announced his selection at the dinner table.


“Abhishek sir had announced the news. I was nervous initially, and it turned into excitement when every player, including captain Ajinkya Rahane bhaiya, came to shake hands with me and hug me. That was an amazing feeling,” he said.


“When I came (to KKR), I mostly spoke to the coaches. I also had a little interaction with Ajinkya bhai. During practice matches and even after that, I interacted with the coaches, Abhishek sir and other staff. I spoke a bit with them and had discussions. Whatever plans they gave me, the conversations were around how I could execute them,” he said.


“In the initial sessions, DJ Bravo sir and Abhishek sir were there. They were guiding me and explaining what could be done. They are around and help you understand your plans and how to approach things. There were specific areas they wanted me to bowl in. It was a huge learning experience for me,” Dubey said.


Dubey, who was the leading wicket-taker for India in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, was earlier picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022 but did not get a game due to injury. He also spent time as a net bowler with Mumbai Indians.


Training under South Africa legend Dale Steyn helped refine his skills further.


“My overall experience at SRH was really good. Dale Steyn was the bowling coach there, and spending time with him taught me a lot. From bowling lessons to fitness tips, I learned a great deal from him,” he remembered.


But it is India pace great Zaheer Khan who inspired him most to take up fast bowling.


“Zaheer Khan is my hero. When I used to watch him in my childhood, and when I started bowling, I initially tried to copy him. He is the one - my idol. I also admire Mitchell Starc and Jasprit Bumrah. I really like Starc. I try to pick the brains of these two bowlers, understand their mindset, and apply it to my bowling,” the left-arm pacer said.
Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score Score, IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.