Kolkata, March 18 Kolkata Knight Riders, the three-time champions, are reportedly considering former Chennai Super Kings pace bowlers Simarjeet Singh and KM Asif, along with veteran Sandeep Warrier, to fill the gap left by the injured Harshit Rana in the upcoming Indian Premier League.
Rana's injury, sustained during India's T20 World Cup warm-up against South Africa, has significantly impacted Kolkata Knight Riders' pace attack.
The pacer is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and his return timeline remains uncertain. Given Rana's absence, the KKR think tank is exploring alternative options.
Simarjeet, who has played for Chennai Super Kings (2022, 2024) and Sunrisers Hyderabad, has taken 11 wickets in 14 IPL games.
The tall and quick bowler, capable of bowling at speeds exceeding 140 kph and delivering sharp yorkers, impressed with nine wickets in 10 matches for Chennai Super Kings in 2022, but struggled for SRH last season, taking only two wickets in four games.
Asif and Warrier were included in Kolkata Knight Riders' first training session on Wednesday, alongside Simarjeet. Biju George and Manvinder Bisla, who were overseeing the process, were impressed with Asif's performance.
Asif, who took 5/24 against Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, is known for his pace of 140 kph, but has faced some niggles.
The 32-year-old made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and has only played sporadically since, with his last appearance being for Rajasthan Royals in 2023, where he took seven wickets in seven matches.
Warrier debuted for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019 and has represented the franchise in three seasons, along with a stint with Gujarat Titans. He has taken eight wickets in 10 IPL matches.
Pathirana's clearance pending
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There is also uncertainty regarding Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana's availability, as he is yet to receive clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket.
The pacer, who was bought for Rs 18 crore, is recovering from a calf strain sustained during the T20 World Cup against Australia, where he was forced to retire after bowling four overs.
"They have not yet confirmed his joining. We are in constant contact, and his tickets are being booked and cancelled almost daily," a team source said.
Kolkata Knight Riders are also without left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman, who was released following a BCCI directive earlier this year, with Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani brought in as a replacement.
All eyes on Muzarabani
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Muzarabani, who took 13 wickets in the T20 World Cup and became one of the joint-highest wicket-takers, had a stunning 4/17 against Australia in a famous upset that led to the former champions' elimination from the tournament, was the focus of attention during their first training session of the season.
The Zimbabwe quick, who has over 200 international wickets, is yet to make his IPL debut, despite being previously signed by RCB in 2025 as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi.
He had also served as a net bowler for Lucknow Super Giants during Andy Flower's tenure.
Kolkata Knight Riders still have pace options in Vaibhav Arora, Akash Deep, Kartik Tyagi, and Umran Malik, who is back in form.
Nayar pep talk in revamped set-up
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The Ajinkya Rahane-led side, which finished eighth last season, began training under a revamped support staff, with Abhishek Nayar as head coach, assisted by Shane Watson, while Tim Southee has taken over as bowling coach. Dwayne Bravo continues as team mentor.
The session began with a team huddle addressed by Nayar. The coaching set-up will also feature Andre Russell, who is playing a non-playing role (power coach) for the first time.
Kiwi firepower joins Thursday
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The squad will be bolstered by New Zealand trio Finn Allen (Rs 2 crore), Tim Seifert (Rs 1.5 crore), and Rachin Ravindra (Rs 2 crore), who are set to join on Thursday after their impressive T20 World Cup campaign.
Seifert was New Zealand's leading run-scorer with 326 runs at a strike rate of over 165, while Allen smashed 298 runs at a strike rate of 200, including the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, against South Africa at Eden Gardens.
India spinner Varun Chakravarthy will also join on Thursday, while their record signing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green (Rs 25.20 crore) is set to arrive on Friday.
The West Indies contingent – Sunil Narine, Rovman Powell, and Russell – will link up on March 24 ahead of their departure to Mumbai.
Kolkata Knight Riders begin their campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29, and will play their first home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2, where team owner Shah Rukh Khan is expected to be present.