3 players who could replace Harshit Rana at KKR if he is ruled out of IPL 2026

Harshit Rana made his IPL debut with KKR in 2022.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have suffered a major blow just two weeks before the start of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to The Times of India, Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the entire tournament.

Rana suffered a knee injury during a T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up game in Navi Mumbai against South Africa. The 24-year-old underwent a surgical procedure for the injury, leaving very little time to recover for IPL 2026, which will begin on March 28.

Harshit Rana was a key figure in KKR‘s 2024 IPL-winning campaign. In that season, he took 19 wickets for Kolkata in 13 matches. His performance in the tournament also helped him earn a place in the national team. Last year, he picked 15 wickets in 13 games, ending as KKR’s second-highest wicket-taker, only behind Varun Chakravarthy.

Rana’s absence would make a void in Kolkata’s bowling line-up, and on the same note, let’s take a look at the three players who could replace Harshit Rana at KKR.

3 players who could replace Harshit Rana at KKR if he is ruled out of IPL 2026

3. Akash Madhwal

KKR could sign Akash Madhwal, who has experience playing in the big league. He made his IPL debut in 2023 with the Mumbai Indians, taking 14 wickets in 8 matches. After a promising debut year, Madhwal failed to shine in the subsequent season, taking five wickets in five matches.

In 2025, he joined the Rajasthan Royals. Nevertheless, he was released by the inaugural champions as well. Madhwal has the potential to become a wicket-taking threat; however, he has not been trusted enough by the franchises. Thus, in Harshit Rana’s absence, the 32-year-old can potentially get the chance he has been waiting for.

2. Simarjeet Singh

Simarjeet Singh, who has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, went unsold in the 2026 mini-auction. However, he can probably get a chance to feature in the coveted league in case KKR decide to bring him in as Rana’s replacement. In a total of 14 matches in his IPL career hitherto, Singh has taken 11 wickets.

Consistency has been one of the major problems for the Delhi-based bowler. However, if he finds the consistency, he can be a threat to the opposition. In the domestic circuit, Singh has played 42 T20 games, taking 47 wickets, with his best figures being 3/16.

1. RS Ambrish

RS Ambrish gave solid performances at the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup 2026, taking 11 wickets in seven matches. He was India’s joint top wicket-taker alongside Henil Patel. Ambrish also took three wickets in the tournament final against England, helping India win the title.

In case the three-time champions decide to give the young all-rounder a chance, he can probably become a key figure in Kolkata’s line-up.

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