Kuldeep Sen sits outside RR's optimal XII with a projected WAR/M of 0.09. His raw WAR/M of 0.05 across just 108 T20 balls in the IPL context gives the model very little to work with. The IPL confidence score of 0.35 is among the lowest on the roster.

Across his broader T20 career (645 bowling balls, 31 matches), Sen bowled at 9 economy with 29 wickets. His powerplay economy of 8 with 10 wickets and death economy of 10 with 10 wickets show a bowler who can contribute across phases.

Why He Is Excluded

The domestic pace slots go to Sandeep Sharma (the clear #1) and Tushar Deshpande (the backup). Sen ranks third among domestic seamers, behind Deshpande's 0.23 projected WAR/M and larger sample (1633 vs 645 bowling balls).

What This Means for IPL 2026

Sen provides deep pace reserve. If both Sharma and Deshpande are unavailable, Sen enters the conversation. His xImpact of 41 suggests the ceiling is there, but the sample is too thin to project with confidence. A strong domestic season or standout net performances could push him up the pecking order.