Kolkata, March 20 In a major setback for Kolkata Knight Riders, pacer Harshit Rana was ruled out of the entire IPL 2026 due to the ligament injury he sustained during a warm-up match ahead of the recent T20 World Cup.
The fast bowler suffered a ligament strain in his right knee during India's T20 World Cup warm-up game against South Africa, following which he underwent surgery, requiring an extensive rehabilitation process.
"It's a big loss because Harshit Rana has been an integral part of this team for the last couple of seasons, including the championship season. Over the last year, he has really grown as a cricketer," KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar said, without providing a confirmed timeline for Rana's return to action.
"We will definitely miss Harshit Rana; it's not easy to replace him."
The KKR team management is now considering a replacement for Rana, with Navdeep Saini, Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, Sandeep Warrier, and KM Asif having undergone trials and are playing practice matches.
Asif and Warrier were called up for trials during KKR's first training session at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, while Simarjeet had impressed earlier in Mumbai during the first phase of the trials. Biju George, as head of scouting, and Manvinder Bisla, as deputy, oversaw the process.
Then on Thursday, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals pacer Madhwal and former Royal Challengers Bengaluru quick Saini also joined the trials along with Simarjeet.
Nayar said they would make the announcement before the team departs for Mumbai to play their IPL 2026 opener against Mumbai Indians on March 29.
"Over the last few days, we have looked at a few bowlers. We have to evaluate with the help of our leadership group as to who fits in and who can do that role to the best of their abilities."
"We are still evaluating that, but hopefully soon we will identify someone who we feel can make a difference."
He further said they are awaiting a medical update from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru where Rana is currently undergoing rehab.
"Obviously, Harshit is with the BCCI CoE... So once the Medical Team communicates to us, we will let you know."
"But today (Friday) is our first practice game. We have one more game on March 23. So we try and make sure we evaluate whoever we are picking before we actually make that announcement. So it will take a few more days, but most probably before we leave for Mumbai."
Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana's injury has also disturbed KKR's plans ahead of the new season.
"Matheesha Pathirana, who has requested NOC to participate in IPL 2026, has yet to undergo the Physical Performance Test, as he is still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from the injury sustained. He will undergo the tests upon completion of the recovery and rehabilitation programs," the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) later said in a release.
As far as Varun Chakravarthy's form is concerned, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane believes the break after the T20 World Cup will be good for the spinner, who went for plenty of runs in the mega event at home in February-March.
"I don't see any problem with Varun's bowling ability... In the T20 World Cup, the opposition batters played him (Varun Chakravarthy) really well. Let's give credit to them rather than talking about Varun."
"I think this 10-day break really helped him after especially coming after a high-intensity tournament to another high-intensity tournament," Rahane said.
Chakravarthy was the top wicket-taker in the mega event alongside Jasprit Bumrah with 14 wickets, but gave away 9.25 runs per over for his scalps.
