Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to name Saurabh Dubey as Akash Deep’s injury replacement initially looked like an odd gamble. A relatively unfamiliar option—especially given the scrutiny around who should be preferred—quickly turned into a storyline of patience, preparation and impact, as Dubey seized every chance that came his way.
Key takeaways
- Dubey was selected by KKR as an injury replacement for Akash Deep after internal trials to find cover for both Akash Deep and Harshit Rana.
- His call-up raised questions due to a near two-and-a-half-year gap from competitive action, with his last Vidarbha appearance in October 2023 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
- KKR’s coaching staff monitored Dubey closely in the nets, and practice performances against senior batters helped him edge out other experienced candidates.
- He debuted against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, delivering 2.1 overs for 21 runs at an economy of 9.69, though KKR lost the match by six wickets.
- Against Gujarat Titans, Dubey made a decisive contribution by removing Jos Buttler, finishing with figures of 2.4-0-23-1 in a 29-run KKR win.
- In the must-win clash versus Mumbai Indians, he struck early with yorkers and hard lengths, restricting an opening over to four runs and taking key wickets, including Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
Why Dubey’s selection drew attention
When KKR chose pacer Saurabh Dubey as Akash Deep’s replacement, the move immediately sparked debate. The questions were simple: why Dubey in particular, why a net bowler instead of a more established domestic pacer, and why he was preferred over names such as Navdeep Saini, KM Asif, Simarjeet Singh, Akash Madhwal and Sandeep Warrier, who were also considered for the role.
KKR had already conducted trials to identify replacements for Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, with several of those bowlers participating. Still, Dubey’s long absence from match cricket became part of the narrative. He had not played competitive games for almost two-and-a-half years. His last appearance for Vidarbha came in October 2023 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he remained wicketless across three matches. In his final outing in that tournament, he conceded 63 runs in his four-over spell against Bengal without taking a wicket.
KKR’s nets plan, and Dubey’s IPL chances
Despite the scepticism, KKR believed Dubey offered something tangible. It was understood that he had been training extensively in KKR’s nets, bowling at full intensity under the supervision of the coaching staff. During practice sessions, his effectiveness against senior batters earned him an extended look, and he ultimately progressed ahead of more experienced contenders during the trials.
Throughout the uncertainty, Dubey stayed focused and calm. While others were discussing possibilities, he continued contributing behind the scenes—carrying drinks, transporting bats, passing messages from the staff—and waited for his turn without letting the noise affect his preparation.
When the moment arrived, Dubey made an immediate impression. He made his IPL debut for KKR against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, bowling 2.1 overs for 21 runs and finishing with an economy rate of 9.69. However, despite his efforts, he remained wicketless in a match KKR lost by six wickets.
He was handed another opportunity against Gujarat Titans and responded with more impact. Dubey struck at a crucial stage by taking the wicket of Jos Buttler. His spell ended with figures of 2.4-0-23-1 as KKR secured a 29-run win.
In the must-win encounter against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, Dubey delivered one of his most notable performances. The left-arm pacer from Vidarbha troubled Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton with a blend of yorkers and hard, penetrating lengths. He conceded only four runs in his opening over. In the next over, he removed Rohit for 15, and then followed up by dismissing Suryakumar Yadav with a sharp delivery that hit the stumps.
What Dubey said after joining KKR
Following his selection as a replacement, Dubey spoke about the pressure that comes with stepping onto a major stage. He acknowledged that pressure is unavoidable, but added that he planned to manage it and produce his best. He also pointed out that playing for KKR is a significant moment, and that the support around him helps him handle whatever pressure appears.
He also described how the news of his inclusion was communicated. Dubey revealed that head coach Abhishek Nayar announced it at the dinner table. He said he was nervous at first, but the feeling quickly shifted into excitement when the squad—along with captain Ajinkya Rahane—came over to shake his hand and hug him.
On his early days with KKR, Dubey explained that he mostly spoke with the coaches, and also had some interaction with Rahane. He described discussions that followed practice matches and included planning conversations focused on how he could execute specific roles. He said the guidance was structured around bowling plans and how best to carry them out.
Dubey noted that during the initial sessions, DJ Bravo and Abhishek Nayar were both present, guiding him and helping him understand what could be done. According to Dubey, they highlighted particular areas they wanted him to bowl in, making it a “huge learning experience” as he adjusted to the team’s approach.
Road to KKR: past stints and inspirations
Dubey’s earlier achievements include being the leading wicket-taker for India in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. He had also been picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022, though injury meant he did not get a game at that time. He later spent time as a net bowler with Mumbai Indians, adding to his experience in high-performance environments.
Training under South Africa fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn helped sharpen his skills further. Dubey recalled that his time at SRH was valuable, with Steyn serving as the bowling coach. He said he learned through coaching that ranged from bowling lessons to fitness-focused suggestions.
However, Dubey said the biggest inspiration to become a fast bowler came from Zaheer Khan. He described Zaheer as his hero and said he used to watch him as a child, then tried to emulate him when he started bowling. Dubey also shared admiration for Mitchell Starc and Jasprit Bumrah, adding that he tries to understand the mindset of both and apply aspects of it to his own bowling.
