Before IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders team is once again in the headlines. After releasing Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, now KKR is facing a big challenge of filling his place. KKR included Mustafizur in the team in the 2026 auction for Rs 9.20 crore. However, after the recent developments, on the instructions of BCCI, the franchise had to drop him from the team.

BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia has made it clear that if KKR wants, it can include any other player in the team as a replacement for Mustafizur. Since then, discussions regarding possible names have intensified on social media and in cricket corridors. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Shrivatsa Goswami has put forward the name of a player who can become a surprise package for KKR.

Duan Yansen’s name is at the forefront

Srivatsa Goswami suggested on social media that South African fast bowler Duane Yansen could be a great option for KKR. Duane is the twin brother of South Africa’s star all-rounder Marco Jansen and the biggest strengths of his bowling are fast pace and accurate line-length. He has the ability to consistently bowl the ball at a speed of 140 to 145 kilometers per hour.

Why does he fit the needs of KKR?

According to Goswami, Duane is not only a fast bowler but also a useful all-rounder. He can prove to be a better batting option for the team, which is an added advantage for any team in T20 cricket. Duane has previously played an IPL match for Mumbai Indians in 2023, which means he has some experience of Indian conditions.

SA20 shows strength

25-year-old Duane Yansen is currently playing for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 League 2025-26. In his very first match, he performed brilliantly against Pretoria Capitals. In his 4 over spell, Yansen took 4 wickets for just 23 runs and won the title of Player of the Match. This performance is being considered as proof of his growing stature.

Duan has so far appeared in the jersey of five different teams and played 48 T20 matches. During this period, along with taking 46 wickets, he has also scored 329 runs.

Smart move for KKR?

KKR team is always known for betting on young and uncapped players. In such a situation, a fast, aggressive and all-round package like Duane Yansen fits perfectly into the franchise’s strategy.

Former Cricketer on Pahalgam Attack: After the Pahalgam terror attack, there is anger all over the country. 26 people have been confirmed in this attack, including some foreign people. Indian cricketers are also expressing grief on social media and are openly opposing Pakistan for this cowardly attack. Former cricketer Srivats Goswami, who was a part of four teams in the IPL, also posted it on social media. He said that our team should never play with Pakistan. He also heard those people who were saying that during the Champions Trophy that the game should be kept above politics.

Former cricketer Srivats Goswami wrote on X (Twitter) that India should never play cricket with Pakistan. He said that now it is time for Pakistan to answer in his language.

He wrote, “And that’s why I say, you cannot play cricket with Pakistan. Never now, never. When BCCI or the government decided not to send Team India to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, some people dared to say this, oh but the game should rise above politics. Really, as far as my question is there, innocent citizens seems to be their national game. Answer that they really understand.

Enough !!!! pic.twitter.com/1FF6XUHGNG

– Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) April 22, 2025

I am angry, broken- Srivats Goswami

He further wrote, “I am angry, broken. A few months ago, I was in Kashmir for the Legends League. I went through Pahalgam, met some local people, saw the expectations that came back in their eyes. I felt like peace has been maintained here. Now this bloodshed. Now this bloodshed. It will break from inside. Are.”

Talking about Srivats Goswami’s career, he has scored 3019 runs in 61 first class matches. He was part of four teams (SRH, RR, RCB and KKR) in the IPL. He scored 293 runs in 21 innings of 31 matches played in the IPL. Goswami, who was playing for the first season, played the IPL for the last time in 2020.