Ex-CSK Star Set to Replace Harshit Rana in KKR Squad for IPL 2026

The three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) suffered a huge blow as fast bowler Harshit Rana will miss out on the entire season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Rana has emerged to be a find for KKR over the last few seasons and played a big role in their success.

However, the team management has decided to rope in the former Simarjeet Singh to replace him. It is a much-needed change for the Kolkata Knight Riders, who are struggling in the bowling department.

Simarjeet Singh to Replace Harshit Rana

Former CSK pacer Simarjeet Singh is reportedly the top contender in the race of fast bowlers for Harshit Rana replacement. There are several options available, like Chetan Sakariya, Akash Madhwal, and others, but Simarjeet is reported to be leading the race currently.

KKR squad for IPL 2026 has already seen a lot of changes as they recently announced star Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, who was removed from the squad after the ongoing political tensions between India and Bangladesh.

Simarjeet Singh IPL 2026 participation can also be very helpful for the bowler himself, as he went unsold during the mini auction held last year. He brings the experience of playing under the leadership of MS Dhoni while representing Chennai Super Kings.

Harshit Rana Injury Update

Harshit Rana, one of the best bowlers in India currently, attended the BCCI Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 15. However, the star pacer was seen in trouble while walking, using crutches as support. He wasn't even able to walk up to the stage and collect his award for Best International Debut (Men). Instead, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal stepped down from the stage and handed the award to him.

Rana missed out on the entire ICC T20 World Cup 2026 due to a knee injury, and Mohammed Siraj was called up as his replacement later. Rana, one of the best bowlers in India, underwent knee surgery on February 9 in Mumbai, after which reports stated that the bowler would need around 2-3 months to fully recover. The surgery was successful but the long recovery timeline interrupted his return to the field with IPL 2026 scheduled to begin on March 28.