Harshit Rana Replacement: Before the start of IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders announced the replacement of fast bowler Harshit Rana.

Who is Harshit Rana's replacement?

KKR Replacement Harshit Rana: Kolkata Knight Riders have found a replacement for Harshit Rana. KKR announced that Navdeep Saini will replace Harshit Rana in IPL 2026. Harshit was injured before the 2026 T20 World Cup, which prevented him from playing in the World Cup. Now, Navdeep Saini will play for Kolkata.

Kolkata has already suffered another major blow as Akashdeep has also been ruled out for the entire season and has been replaced by Saurabh Dubey. Saini went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini auction, but fate has once again brought him to the Indian Premier League arena.

You will get this much money after joining KKR.

Speaking of Navdeep Saini, he has taken 23 wickets in his 32-match IPL career. He has played for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore and could make his debut for KKR in 2026. He will receive a sum of ₹75 lakh upon joining the Kolkata team. It's worth noting that Navdeep Saini has bowled at a speed of 152.85 km/h.

Kolkata Knight Riders are already facing problems before the start of IPL 2026. Harshit Rana and Akashdeep have already been ruled out of the entire tournament. Meanwhile, Mathisha Pathirana has not yet been granted permission by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board to play in IPL 2026. KKR's bowling attack is already lackluster, and if Pathirana is also ruled out, Kolkata will be severely weakened in the fast bowling department.

The Kolkata Knight Riders will play their first match of IPL 2026 against the Mumbai Indians on March 29th at the Wankhede Stadium. The Ajinkya Rahane-led team will then face the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2nd. They will face the Punjab Kings on April 6th and the Lucknow Supergiants on April 9th.