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IPL 2026: Who is Saurabh Dubey? Pacer replaces Varun Chakravarthy in KKR vs RCB clash
TL;DR
Saurabh Dubey replaces Varun Chakravarthy in KKR's lineup for the IPL 2026 match against RCB due to Chakravarthy's injury. This unexpected change comes as KKR aims for a playoff spot.
Key points
- Saurabh Dubey replaces Varun Chakravarthy in KKR's lineup
- Varun Chakravarthy ruled out due to injury
- KKR aims for a playoff spot against RCB
Mentioned in this story
Ajinkya Rahane
Kolkata Knight RidersRoyal Challengers BengaluruSaurabh DubeyVarun Chakravarthy
NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders handed a surprise inclusion in the team sheet to left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey after star spinner Varun Chakravarthy was ruled out of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Live Score: RCB vs KKR, IPL 2026
The 28-year-old, a relatively unknown face in IPL circles, was included in KKR’s impact substitutes and came into focus after captain Ajinkya Rahane confirmed at the toss that Varun was unavailable due to a niggle.
RCB won the toss and elected to field first in a must-win game for KKR as the visitors chase a late playoff push.
Surprise inclusion in crunch clash
Rahane said KKR had found rhythm in recent games and were keeping their approach simple despite the pressure.
“Varun Chakravarthy misses out, unfortunately, with a niggle injury. Saurabh Dubey comes in place of him,” Rahane said at the toss.
Before the toss, Dubey was seen receiving congratulations from teammates, while Varun was spotted limping during warm-ups, confirming concerns over his fitness.
The move was unexpected considering Varun has been central to KKR’s revival, but the franchise has now placed faith in a newcomer at a critical stage of the season.
Who is Saurabh Dubey?
Born in Wardha (Maharashtra), Dubey is a left-arm medium pacer who bats right-handed. He represents Vidarbha in domestic cricket and has quietly built his career in the domestic circuit.
So far, he has featured in eight List A matches and three domestic T20s. While he is yet to take a wicket in T20 cricket, he has picked up 16 wickets in the 50-over format.
His selection for such a high-pressure game marks a major step in his career.
SRH link before KKR chance
Dubey had previously been part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad setup.
He was bought in the auction ahead of the 2022 season but never got a game during his stint and was released before the following campaign.
KKR’s decision has now handed him a long-awaited IPL debut.
Q&A
Why was Saurabh Dubey included in the KKR squad for IPL 2026?
Saurabh Dubey was included in the KKR squad after Varun Chakravarthy was ruled out due to a niggle.
What is the significance of the KKR vs RCB match in IPL 2026?
The KKR vs RCB match is crucial for KKR as they are chasing a late playoff push.
Who is Saurabh Dubey in the context of IPL 2026?
Saurabh Dubey is a 28-year-old left-arm pacer making a surprise appearance for KKR in IPL 2026.
