Reports: KKR pacer Harshit Rana set to miss IPL 2026, replacement undecided
Harshit Rana will miss IPL 2026 after failing to recover from a knee injury sustained before the T20 World Cup, leaving Kolkata Knight Riders searching for a replacement.
Harshit Rana (Image Credit: KKR)
Last Updated: 09.10 PM, Mar 13, 2026
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all set to start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign on March 29 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The game is definitely going to be intriguing but the Knight Riders are having a hard time with their squad. Another player has been added to the injury list and that is Harshit Rana. The pacer, who was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026, is all set to miss the upcoming IPL as well due to injury.
He injured himself during a training session and then went through a surgery. The recovery period is long and that’s why reports suggest that Rana is likely to be ruled out of the tournament as well. This is a huge blow for KKR since he was an experienced player, and has a strong record in the T20 league. Harshit made his debut for KKR in 2024 and since then, he has played for India in all the formats.
Well, KKR are also under huge pressure since Matheesha Pathirana is also in the path of recovery and might join the team late. Moreover, KKR had to release Mustafizur Rahman as well. Hence, even before the start of the tournament, KKR are in a dilemma. Meanwhile, they are looking for replacements for Harshit Rana as well.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav reveals dressing room conversation after Ahmedabad call in T20 World Cup 2026
KKR’s schedule for IPL 2026
KKR will start their tournament against MI and will play their next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 2 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Since the IPL committee have only released the schedule for 20 matches, KKR will get to play only four matches in the first phase. They’ll play their third match against PBKS and fourth against LSG in Kolkata.
Due to the elections, the IPL schedule is going to come out in phases this time. Apart from the bowling crisis, KKR have Ajinka Rahane to lead the tournament. He is an incredible batter and has performed well in the previous matches as well.