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What makes Mustafizur Rahman special? Ashraful reveals X-factor behind KKR's 9.2 cr IPL 2026 buy

Poulomi Chakraborty

Mustafizur Rahman to start a new stint with KKR (Source: @Mustafiz90/x.com)Mustafizur Rahman to start a new stint with KKR (Source: @Mustafiz90/x.com)

Over the years, the Bangladesh cricket team produced some star players, and without any second thought, Mustafizur Rahman is one of them. Known for his excellence and ability to turn the tide, the fast bowler crossed international borders to showcase his excellence on the global stage.

In the IPL 2026 mini auction, the ace pacer sealed a massive deal of 9.2 crore with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Reflecting on his massive bid, Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Ashraful broke down what sets the bowler apart from the rest.

Mohammad Ashraful reveals what makes Mustafizur truly iconic

Among all the bowling greats of Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman still stands on the front line. Injuries and patches of poor form may have dimmed his presence at times, but his unmistakable X-factor keeps fans hooked. As several Bangladeshi bowlers stole the spotlight in recent times, Mustafizur remained a favorite in the overseas franchise leagues.

In the recent IPL 2026 mini auction, the Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for a hoped-for amount of 9.20 crore. Despite several Bangladeshi stars in the mix, including Rishad Hossain, the nation’s leading T20I wicket-taker this year, KKR put their faith in Mustafizur. Reflecting on this, Bangladesh’s batting coach Mohammad Ashraful revealed what makes him different from others.

“He has a special skill, obviously, which creates the demand. He is different, and you can say that there is no other bowler in the world like him. I used to play [Muttiah] Muralitharan, a right-arm off-spinner, and although Mustafizur is a fast bowler, he produces a lot of revolutions on the ball like Murali… Playing him is a difficult prospect, and if there is help in the wicket, it's even more challenging since it grips,” he said while speaking to The Daily Star.

Mustafizur Rahman remains the ultimate game-changer

Apart from the international career, Mustafizur Rahman first stepped into the IPL 2016. Representing the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings, he returned to the Capitals last season. In three matches, he secured four wickets with an economy rate of 7.91. While reflecting on this, Mohammad Ashraful hailed Mustafizur as a true game-changer who can tilt matches in a blink.

“Since the games are played on Indian surfaces, we see high-scoring games, scores of 280, which again are being chased down at times. In those kinds of games, Mustafizur often turns out to be the difference-maker,” he said.

“In 14 matches in a season, at least 5-6 matches take place on a surface where Mustafizur can beat a team all on his own. So, when a player can do that, he will always be in demand,” he added.

Mustafizur Rahman’s arrival has turbocharged KKR’s pace attack, giving the Knights a lethal new edge. With Matheesha Pathirana’s raw pace and Mustafizur’s iconic cutters will be new challenges for the opponent batters.