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KKR Left Scrambling for Answers After Harshit Rana Is Ruled Out of IPL 2026: 'Not Easy to Replace Him'

On Friday, Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Harshit Rana was ruled out of the entire IPL 2026. The injury is a significant blow to the three-time champions, as Rana was an integral part of their championship success.
During India's T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa, Rana sustained a ligament strain in his right knee. He underwent surgery in February and requires extensive rehabilitation to recover from the injury.
KKR's injury crisis deepened with Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana also sidelined. Sri Lanka Cricket said Pathirana is "still undergoing rehabilitation" and must complete a Physical Performance Test before clearance.
Trials are underway at Eden Gardens where KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar is evaluating replacements including Navdeep Saini, Akash Madhwal, and Simarjeet Singh. "Hopefully, we'll take a call in a couple of days," Nayar added.
Several other teams face early-season roster challenges, with Chennai Super Kings losing Nathan Ellis and Rajasthan Royals losing Sam Curran to injuries. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood will also miss initial matches.

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KKR left scrambling for answers after Harshit Rana is ruled out of IPL 2026: 'Not easy to replace him'

Harshit Rana had been doubtful for the 2026 Indian Premier League after undergoing a knee surgery in February, which forced him to miss the T20 World Cup. And on Friday, the India and Kolkata Knight Riders pacer was officially ruled out of the 19th IPL season.

2 days ago·Mumbai, India

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Deccan Chronicle

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Harshit Rana Ruled Out Of IPL 2026

"It is a big blow because Harshit Rana has been an integral part of this team for the last couple of seasons, also the championship season. Over the last year, he's really grown as a cricketer\": KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar

2 days ago·Hyderabad, India

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Indian Express

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KKR pacer Harshit Rana ruled out for the entire IPL 2026 season

While the three time champions haven't named any replacement, coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed that they are looking some pace bowling options.

2 days ago·India

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The Hindu

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Harshit Rana ruled out of entire IPL 2026

Harshit Rana is ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a knee ligament injury requiring surgery and rehabilitation.

2 days ago·India

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Tribune India

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Its official: Harshit Rana ruled out of entire IPL 2026 - The Tribune

KKR speedster Harshit Rana suffered ligament strain in right knee during India's T20 World Cup warm-up game against South Africa, following which he underwent surgery in February

2 days ago·Chandigarh, India

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