Just weeks after making a big splash at the IPL 2026 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been forced to change their plans. The franchise had signed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for a hefty Rs 9.20 crore during the auction held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025. However, the left-arm pacer will not be part of the upcoming season after the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India asked KKR to release him from their squad.
The decision came on January 3 and was linked to recent developments off the field. The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had directed Kolkata Knight Riders to let Mustafizur Rahman go and also clarified that the franchise would be allowed to sign a replacement player if they chose to do so. This means KKR now has both a vacancy in their squad and a significant purse value to work with ahead of the season.
With several notable players still available, discussions around possible replacements have already begun. Former Kolkata Knight Riders and Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami has offered a clear suggestion. Shreevats Goswami, who has also represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, believes that South African fast-bowling all-rounder Duan Jansen could be a strong option for the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise.
https://x.com/shreevats1/status/2007834802079351252
According to Shreevats Goswami, Duan Jansen offers a like-for-like replacement in terms of bowling style and brings added value with the bat. Duan Jansen is the twin brother of Marco Jansen and shares a similar skill set as a pace-bowling all-rounder. He has already had a brief taste of the IPL, having played one match for Mumbai Indians in 2023.
The 25-year-old from Klerksdorp is currently making an impact in the SA20 2025–26 season, where he represents Joburg Super Kings. In a recent match against Pretoria Capitals on December 27, 2025, Duan Jansen delivered an impressive spell, taking four wickets for 23 runs in four overs and earning the Player of the Match award under the leadership of Faf du Plessis.
Overall, Duan Jansen has featured in 48 T20 matches across teams such as Mumbai Indians, MI Cape Town, Joburg Super Kings, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, and North West. In that time, he has claimed 46 wickets and scored 329 runs, making him a well-rounded option as KKR reassess their IPL 2026 strategy.
