Kolkata Knight Riders are once again in the spotlight ahead of IPL 2026. The franchise had signed Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore at the auction held in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. However, he will not be part of the upcoming season.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has instructed KKR to release Mustafizur due to “recent development”. This decision has opened up an overseas slot in the squad, and KKR are not free to sign a replacement player before the season begins.
“Due to the recent developments that are going on all across, BCCI has instructed the franchise KKR to release one of their player, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, from their squad, and BCCI has also said that if they ask for any replacement, BCCI is going to allow that replacement,” BCCI secretary Evajit Saikia told ANI.
Who is Duan Jansen?
One name gaining attention as a possible replacement of Mustafizur Rahman is Duan Jansen. he is a South African fast-bowling all-rounder and the twin brother of Proteas star Marco Jansen.
Born in Klerksdorp, Duan is known for his tall frame, left-arm pace, and ability to extract bounce. Like his brother, he bowls at a good speed and can trouble batters on lively pitches.
Duan has already experienced the IPL auction and played one match for the Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season. Though his IPL exposure is limited, he has built solid experience across global T20 leagues.
Why Duan Jansen Fits KKR’s Needs
KKR is looking for a player who can offer a like-for-like option to Mustafizur Rahman, and Duan fits that role well.
He is a left-arm fast bowler, which gives balance to the bowling attack. He can swing the ball early and hit the deck hard in the middle overs. Unlike Mustafizur, Duan also offers extra batting depth.
Former KKR and Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami believes the South African is a smart choice.
“Marco Jansen’s brother duan Jansen isn’t a bad replacement option for the @KKRiders. Like for like and also can defo bat better. Get him @KKRiders,” Goswami tweeted.
Marco Jansen’s brother duan Jansen isn’t a bad replacement option for the @KKRiders. Like for like and also can defo bat better. Get him @KKRiders.
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) January 4, 2026
Duan Jansen’s Recent Form in T20 Cricket
Duan is currently playing for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 2025–26 season. He made an immediate impact in his first match for the franchise.
He picked up four wickets for just 23 runs in his four overs and won the Player of the Match award. That performance has pushed his name into IPL discussions once again.
So far, Duan has played 48 T20 matches for teams like Mumbai Indians, MI Cape Town, Joburg Super Kings, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, and North West. He has taken 46 wickets and scored 329 runs.
What KKR Gains if Duan Jansen Signs
If KKR brings Duan Jansen into their squad, they gain more than just a replacement. They add a young fast bowler with international T20 exposure. They also get a player who can contribute with the bat in pressure situations. His height and bounce could be useful on Indian pitches that offer assistance early in the season.
With IPL teams placing value on versatile overseas players, Duan fits the modern franchise profile.
KKR now has several options before the season begins. Duan Jansen is one of the names being discussed, but the final call will depend on team balance and availability.
With the clock ticking towards IPL 2026, KKR fans will be keen to see who replaces Mustafizur and whether Duan Jansen gets another shot at the world’s biggest T20 league.
