IPL 2026: Zaheer Khan’s fan Saurabh Dubey cashes in on KKR replacement gamble

Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders’ Saurabh Dubey bowls a delivery during his debut IPL match (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist Lav) 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 is he ahead of experienced names like Navdeep Saini, KM Asif, Simarjeet Singh, Akash Madhwal and Sandeep Warrier who were also in contention? In fact, KKR held trials to identify a replacement for Akash Deep and Harshit Rana in which several of these bowlers participated.Adding to the skepticism was Dubey’s long absence from competitive cricket. He did not play for nearly two-and-a-half years, his last appearance for Vidarbha coming in October 2023 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he went wicketless in three matches. In his last outing, he conceded 63 runs in four overs against Bengal without a wicket.But KKR saw something else. It is clear that Dubey has been training intensively in the KKR nets, bowling at full intensity under the supervision of the coaching staff. His performances against the senior batsmen in training earned him extended appearances and he eventually crowded out more experienced opponents during the trials.Through all the uncertainty and noise, Dubey remained composed – carrying drinks, carrying bats, relaying messages from the coaching staff and quietly waiting for his opportunity.And when he 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. KKR lost the match by six wickets without a wicket.He got another chance against Gujarat Titans and responded with more impact by picking up the wicket of Jose Buttler at a crucial stage. He finished with figures of 2.4-0-23-1 and KKR won by 29 runs.The left-arm paceman from Vidarbha produced an outstanding performance in the must-win clash against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday. 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 crisp delivery that hit the stumps.Speaking to TimesofIndia.com earlier after being selected as a replacement, Dubey reflected on the pressure he has to step on the big stage:“Pressure na hoga. Pakka hoga (The pressure will definitely be there). It’s a big stage, so the pressure will be there. I will most likely give my best. At this level, handling pressure is something you should know. Playing for KKR is a big thing. With this kind of support, whatever pressure comes, I would like to handle it and deliver,” said Dubey.He also recalled how head coach Abhishek Nayar announced his selection at the dinner table.“Abhishek sir announced the news. I was nervous at first and it turned into excitement when every player including captain Ajinkya Rahane bhaiya came to shake my hand and hug me. It 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 the practice matches and even after the practice matches, I interacted with the coaches, Abhishek sir and other staff. I talked to them a bit and discussed. Whatever plans they gave me, the discussions were about how I can execute them,” he said.“DJ Bravo sir and Abhishek sir were there for the initial sessions. They guided me and explained what to do. They are there and help you understand your plans and how to approach things. They wanted me to be involved. It was a huge experience for me,” said Dubey.Dubey, who was the leading wicket-taker for India in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, was earlier selected by Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022 but did not complete the match due to injury. He also spent time as a net bowler with the Mumbai Indians.Training under South African legend Dale Steyn helped further refine his skills.

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“My overall experience at SRH was really good. Dale Steyn was the bowling coach there and my time with him taught me a lot. From bowling lessons to fitness tips, I learned a lot from him,” he recalled.But he was most inspired to bowl fast by Indian pace great Zaheer Khan.“Zaheer Khan is my hero. When I watched him in my childhood and when I started bowling, I tried to emulate him initially. He is 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 thinking and apply it to my bowling,” said the left-arm pacer.