From ₹8 Crore to base price – that’s a brutal auction fall. Akash Deep experienced that painful reality during the 2026 bidding process. The Bengal pacer went unsold initially before one franchise stepped in late.
He’s been representing India in international cricket recently though. That Test career should have attracted more IPL interest than it did. Sometimes, auction outcomes just don’t reflect a player’s actual current quality.
His IPL Team for 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders picked Akash Deep during the accelerated auction phase. The IPL Team waited until the right moment before making their move. His Bengal connection makes this signing feel slightly like homecoming honestly.
Lucknow paid ₹8 Crore for him in 2025 but released him. The IPL Team grabbed him at base money after that release happened. He brings genuine Test-quality bowling skills to their pace attack.
He’s played 14 IPL matches across RCB and Lucknow previously. The franchise believes his international experience adds serious value to their setup. Akash Deep understands pressure cricket from representing India at the highest levels.
His IPL Price Details
His IPL Price dropped drastically to just ₹1 Crore this auction. That’s eight times lower than what Lucknow paid last season! Going unsold initially hurt his value significantly during the bidding process.
This reflects his modest T20 economy rate of 11.82 historically. But his Test performances show he’s capable of much better bowling. This represents a genuine low-risk investment for teams needing Indian pace options.
Compare his amount to what LSG previously paid – the difference is shocking. Akash Deep’s current salary seems heavily discounted given his India caps. The money could recover quickly if he bowls well this season.
Career Journey and Playing Style
Akash Deep played for RCB before joining Lucknow Super Giants previously. His 10 wickets across 14 IPL matches show limited but real experience. That SMAT 2025-26 season brought 7 wickets from 5 matches recently.
LSG spent ₹8 Crore believing in his potential before releasing him. That release stung, but playing for India kept his confidence intact. His Bengal domestic cricket background helped him develop solid seam bowling skills.
He bowls right-arm fast-medium with the ability to swing the ball. He enters this season motivated after that humbling unsold experience initially. Expect him to work hard to justify KKR’s faith with wicket-taking displays.
