The three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders have suffered a major setback ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season as young Indian pacer Harshit Rana has reportedly been ruled out due to a knee injury.
Rana sustained the injury during a warm-up match ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and later underwent surgery in Mumbai. Due to the rehabilitation period required after the procedure, the young pacer is unlikely to recover in time for IPL 2026.
The 24-year-old fast bowler had become an important part of KKR’s bowling attack in recent seasons. His absence could force the franchise to look for a reliable Indian pacer as a replacement.
Here are three Indian players who could replace Harshit Rana in KKR for IPL 2026.
Akash Madhwal
Akash Madhwal could be one of the strongest replacement options for KKR.
The right-arm pacer made headlines during his stint with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023, where he impressed with his ability to take wickets in crucial situations. Madhwal showcased excellent control in the death overs and proved to be a reliable option in high-pressure matches.
His IPL experience and ability to bowl effectively at the death could make him a valuable addition to KKR’s pace attack.
Simarjeet Singh
Another player who could be considered is Simarjeet Singh.
The Delhi-born fast bowler has previously represented Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and has shown promise with the new ball. Simarjeet has the ability to generate good pace and bounce, making him effective during the powerplay overs.
His recent performances in domestic T20 tournaments highlight his wicket-taking ability, which could help KKR strengthen their Indian pace unit.
Mone Grewal
Young Delhi pacer Mone Grewal is another exciting option for KKR.
Grewal gained attention after an impressive campaign in domestic T20 competitions where he finished among the leading wicket-takers and even picked up a hat-trick. His ability to generate pace and extract bounce makes him a promising prospect in Indian cricket.
If KKR decides to invest in young domestic talent, Grewal could emerge as a strong replacement option for Rana.
