KKR search for Harshit Rana’s replacement: Navdeep Saini, Simarjeet Singh and Akash Madhwal give trials at Eden
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are under pressure to find a replacement for injured pacer Harshit Rana. Navdeep Saini, Akash Madhwal, and Simarjeet Singh were among the bowlers who are giving trials.
Last Updated: 10.02 PM, Mar 19, 2026
With the IPL 2026 season around the corner, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp at Eden Gardens has pivoted into a high-pressure audition ground. Following the tragic injury to star pacer Harshit Rana, the franchise has called six seasoned Indian fast bowlers for specialised trials to fill the void in their pace bowling lineup. The three-time champions' management, led by the tactical brain trust of Abhishek Nayar and Shane Watson, is looking for a bowler who can replicate Rana’s 'hit-the-deck style' and death-overs dependability.
Saini, Simrajeet, and Madhwal are among the contenders
The shortlist features a mix of international backgrounds and proven IPL performers, each bringing a unique set of skills to the table for the franchise to choose from.
Navdeep Saini, the India international, is perhaps the most high-profile name in the trials. Known for his ability to clock 145+ kmph, Saini’s extra bounce could be a powerful weapon on the remodelled Eden pitch.
Along with him, Akash Madhwal, the Mumbai Indians breakout star from previous seasons, is an expert in the "death overs." His pinpoint yorkers and calm character under pressure make him a front-runner for the role as well.
But KKR fans might have their eyes on Simrajeet Singh. After impressing everyone previously with Chennai Super Kings, Simarjeet offers a high-arm action and the ability to swing the new ball, a trait KKR desperately needs in the Powerplay after Rana's absence.
Sandip Warrier & KM Asif are the other two known names in the list
Both bowlers bring comprehensive domestic experience. Warrier is known for his disciplined line and length, while Asif can deliver raw pace and an assertive short-ball ploy.
However, the wildcard in the group is Sunil Kumar of Jammu & Kashmir. The left-arm pacer will look to translate his consistent red-ball form into a maiden high-value IPL contract.
Kolkata Knight Riders squad for IPL 2026
Batters
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Cameron Green, Finn Allen, Tejasvi Singh, Rahul Tripathi, Tim Seifert, and Rovman Powell.
All-Rounders
Anukul Roy, Sarthak Ranjan, Daksh Kamra, Rachin Ravindra, and Ramandeep Singh.
Bowlers
Blessing Muzarabani, Vaibhav Arora, Matheesha Pathirana, Kartik Tyagi, Prashant Solanki, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Umran Malik, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakaravarthy.