KKR Announces Replacement For Harshit Rana Ahead Of IPL 2026

Kolkata: Former Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced a replacement for their injured player Harshit Rana. The three-time champion team has inducted Navdeep Saini into their squad to take Harshit Rana's place. Navdeep Saini has previously been a part of the Indian national team; he has represented Team India across all three formats of the game.

What did the IPL say?

On March 25, the Indian Premier League issued a media advisory stating that Kolkata Knight Riders have brought Navdeep Saini into the squad to replace Harshit Rana. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans have inducted Kulwant Khejroliya into their team to replace their injured player, Prithvi Raj Yarra. Right-arm fast bowler Navdeep Saini has claimed 23 wickets in the 32 IPL matches he has played so far; additionally, he has taken 23 wickets in international cricket while representing India. He will step in for the injured Harshit and join KKR for a sum of ₹75 lakh. Navdeep Saini has played two Test matches, eight ODIs, and 11 T20Is for India—meaning he has represented the country in every format of the sport.

Meanwhile, Khejroliya has been inducted into the GT squad as a replacement for the injured Prithvi Raj Yarra. This left-arm fast bowler has taken six wickets in the IPL and has previously played for GT, KKR, and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He will join the GT squad for ₹30 lakh.

Why is Harshit Rana Ruled Out of IPL 2026?

It is worth noting that Harshit Rana was recently ruled out of the KKR squad for the current season due to a knee injury. Harshit Rana sustained the injury on February 4, 2026, while bowling during a warm-up match against South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup. His right knee twisted while he was bowling, forcing him to limp off the field after completing just one over. Due to this severe knee injury, he had to undergo surgery, which ruled him out of the World Cup and IPL 2026.

Harshit Rana is one of India's emerging players. While he works wonders with his bowling, he also delivers magnificent performances with his batting. He has contributed with his bat in several crucial matches for India. In 2024, when the Kolkata Knight Riders clinched the IPL title, Harshit Rana delivered a powerful performance for the team and played a pivotal role in helping them become champions. For IPL 2026, KKR retained Harshit Rana for a sum of ₹4 crore.