Harshit Rana reportedly ruled out, KKR to not name replacement:Three-time winners hopeful of injured Pathirana’s availability

Harshit Rana has been ruled out of IPL 2026, in a major blow to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The pacer had sustained a knee injury during a warm-up match before the T20 World Cup 2026 and was subsequently ruled out of the tournament. Not just Rana but the Knight Riders are also sweating on the fitness of Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana. The fast bowler, known for his slingy Lasith Malinga-like action, sustained an injury and was ruled out midway through the T20 World Cup. Harshit Rana ruled out, KKR likely not to name replacement Although it has been widely reported that Harshit has been ruled out of IPL 2026, an official confirmation is awaited. The pacer, who was present at BCCI’s Naman Awards on 15 March, attended the event on crutches and was unable to walk to the stage to receive his award for the best debut in men’s international cricket in 2024-25. According to Cricbuzz, the Knight Riders feel that they have a strong pool of Indian pacers, the likes of which include Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Akash Deep and Kartik Tyagi. However, according to a report in Kashmir Sports Watch, the franchise conducted trials for six pacers and could narrow down on Simarjeet Singh as Rana’s replacement. Singh previously played for the Chennai Super Kings and was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad last year. Also read: Virat Kohli picks RCB’s all-time XI, includes Chris Gayle: Chinnaswamy gets permission to host matches in upcoming edition KKR expected Matheesha Pathirana’s availability in the season Pathirana’s injury is also a matter of concern for KKR. The Sri Lankan pacer was signed by the three-time winners for a massive sum of Rs 18 crore at the auction last year and a lot of the team’s success in the bowling department would rest on his shoulders. But Pathirana, who picked up two wickets in three matches in the T20 World Cup, sustained a calf strain and was sidelined for the remainder of the competition. Despite his injury, KKR expect that the pacer will be available in the season. Earlier today, Pathirana’s manager Amila Kalugalage, shared a picture of the Sri Lankan pacer in a KKR jersey, which could be an indication that the pacer is on his way to recovery and might join the squad soon.