KKR Target 3 Players as Harshit Rana’s Replacement for IPL 2026

While the IPL 2026 is around the corner, KKR have faced a huge blow as star pacer Harshit Rana is likely to be ruled out of the tournament. Reports suggest that KKR are looking for Harshit Rana's replacement for the IPL 2026. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign on March 29.

They will play their first game against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Following the game, KKR will play all of their matches in Kolkata in the first phase. Due to elections, the BCCI has released the schedule for the first 20 days.

Top 3 Harshit Rana Replacements for IPL 2026

The 24-year-old Harshit Rana has proven his performance in the previous seasons. Hence, finding a replacement for him will not be an easy task for the franchise. Rana was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 as he sustained an injury during the warm-up matches. Following that, he went through a surgery. However, he has yet to receive medical confirmation and is most likely to miss the tournament.

3. Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Kamlesh Nagarkoti went unsold in the IPL auction as he hasn’t featured in the tournament for a long time. The 26-year-old player last featured in the IPL in 2022 while he was playing for Delhi Capitals (DC). He made his debut for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020 and picked up five wickets in ten matches.

Nagarkoti also scored 22 runs in that season. He is renowned for bowling above 140 kmph and has the ability to bowl in the powerplays. The right-arm pacer is a perfect replacement for Rana.

2. Chetan Sakaria

Another talented bowler who went unsold in the auction was Chetan Sakaria. Formerly played for Rajasthan Royals, Sakaria was quite impressive with his line and length and variations. He also picked up wickets consistently. The left-arm pacer played for KKR in the previous season as he came in as a replacement for Umran Malik.

However, he only featured in a single match. Sakaria has played in 20 games and picked up 20 wickets in the IPL so far. The 28-year-old can get a call from the franchise owners since his performance in the domestic season has been incredible.

1. Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal is likely to be Harshit Rana replacement for the season. Reports suggest that the franchise is in talks with the player for potential replacement. One of the uncapped players from the IPL 2026 auction, Madhwal, is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and has been impressive in the previous seasons. He played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the previous season and picked up four wickets in four matches. Overall, in 17 matches, he has 23 wickets under his name.